ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the resistances developed at a group level are examined by looking at the role of women's organisations in developing a higher profile for women in agriculture. It draws on interviews held with leaders of the three national farm women's groups, the Country Women's Association (CWA), Australian Women in Agriculture (AWiA) and the Foundation for Australian Agricultural Women (FAAW) and with community women who have become prominent in the Rural Women's Networks. The effect of inequitable gender relations on women's position in agriculture is recognised by rural women's group leaders. They view gender relations as a consequence of the structures around which the industry has developed and note that they make women's position marginal. Women's leaders have raised a number of issues that they view as relevant to women's invisibility at leadership level. They note that interpersonal arrangements are critical factors which shape the way men and women relate within the industry.
