Cathy McGowan, Penny Davidson, Allan Curtis
Charles Stuart University
PO Box 789
ALBURY NSW 2640
AUSTRALIA
pdavidson@aadmin.mur.csu.edu.au
This paper examines women's role and contribution in landcare and is partly drawn from a broader evaluation of landcare in North East Victoria (Australia). Landcare is a government sponsored program which aims to encourage and facilitate sustainable use of Australian land and resources. Women are actively involved in landcare - however this contribution is only now receiving public recognition. Through landcare and on their own properties women are using their knowledge and technical skills in decision- making in the land management process. This report compares women and men (landcare and non-landcare members) and their roles in landcare, their attitudes towards stewardship, where they get information and their overall contribution to local land management. A distinction was found between work and 'real' work on the farms that can sometimes diminish the recognition of the contribution of women. A strong difference was noted between women and men in the strength of women's stewardship ethic and the altruistic manner in which they approach their involvement in landcare. Women feel very strongly that landcare is a community vehicle for solving land management problems and consequently uniting the community itself.
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