16 Sep 2010

Inaugural leadership programme for women being held

6:54 am on 16 September 2010

A programme that aims to increase the number of women in leadership roles in the rural industry is underway, with 11 women taking part.

The Escalator Progamme is being run by the Agriwomen's Development Trust that was formed earlier this year to unlock the leadership potential of rural women.

Chair Lindy Nelson says the programme was 400% oversubscribed, without any advertising.

"It's a little like Pandora's box," she said.

There has been three years research into the programme at a higher level and Ms Nelson says women make up only 6% of senior management and governance positions in rural businesses.