ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the group of rural women who are outside the white Eurocentric paradigm. By addressing issues raised by indigenous Australian women, people are challenged to think beyond existing paradigms in agriculture. Aboriginal women's relationship to the land is one of the significant points that separate them from other groups of women in this discussion of women and agricultural leadership. Despite the matriarchal nature of Aboriginal communities and native title claims, informants suggest that few women have been involved in the ongoing national debate. The gender order is effectively enforced for aboriginal women as with non-aboriginal women. Women report sexism and gender stereotyping operates within their communities with expectations that women will perform traditional roles of caring for families. The rural women's agenda must be enriched by the contributions of aboriginal women. Yet, as aboriginal activist Linda Burney so powerfully reminds us the role of women and reconciliation is absolutely fundamental.
