A different kind of climate change

Today is International Women’s Day, and this year’s UN Women Australia theme couldn’t be more relevant for us as an agribusiness bank.

"Changing climates – equality today for a sustainable tomorrow."

The concept of climate change and sustainability isn’t new in agriculture. For years, Aussie farmers have risen to the climate challenge and embraced new sustainable farming practices. But today we look at those themes through a different lens.

The future of Australian agriculture isn’t just reliant on how we combat climate volatility, adopt new technologies or respond to market conditions. To build a sustainable future, we need diversity of thought, experience and skill. And key to this is greater gender equality.

According to the Visible Farmer project, half of all food in Australia is produced by women, they make up 50% of the rural workforce and generate half of all farm income.

Women are clearly key to the future sustainability of the industry. And they’re also key to the future sustainability of our business.

We’re proud that one in every two Rural Bank employees are women, and we’re committed to realising our Gender Equality Action Plan to create visibility and accountability, build capacity and confidence, and enhance understanding about inclusive leadership.

70% of our scholarship applications this year were from young females – the highest number we’ve seen in 20 years of the program.

We’ve promised to offer at least 50% of graduate positions to female applicants every year.

And we’re honoured to again be part of the NFF’s Diversity in Ag Leadership program for the fifth year in a row.

So today we thank all the women that are working towards a sustainable future for Aussie ag.

Thank you to our customers, who continue to inspire us with their resilience and innovation.

Thank you to our staff, who each play a vital role in helping to support rural Australia.

And thank you to the next generation of female talent entering the industry, who are sure to make their own unique mark.

Together, let’s help change the climate.