OK girls, hear me out. I am extremely passionate about empowering women. My Showgirl journey started with a goal to raise awareness about women working in the agricultural field and I am still so passionate about this topic.
The recognition that women have achieved is amazing and all thanks to the fearless women who have developed their own voice and power. Whether it be in the workplace, social, sporting, agriculture, politics, the list goes on.
The evolution of women taking on roles that were once dominantly male orientated is something for us all to be proud of.
However, I do believe that we need to be respectful of the male population and remember that we are working towards gender equality not female superiority.
I remember being a young naive girl watching McLeod's Daughters, when the idea of a team of women running a property seemed inspiring.
Now, starting my fourth year out of school, all spent working throughout different fields of the agricultural industry, I am so grateful to have the opportunity to work with men.
I've appreciated their generosity to teach me new skills and judgment-free help when I couldn't physically perform a task. Likewise, I have learnt so much from working with women.
I have developed the opinion that a handy worker is defined by their work ethic, respect and career goals, not by their gender.
With men's mental health being such a dominant problem throughout rural and remote Queensland, I think it is important that we work with men not against them. Of course it should be acceptable for women to take on new roles, however, we can't "take over".
Where do we draw the line on equality before it becomes a reversed issue and men are fighting to obtain their share of these positions back?
Admittedly, that may be a big claim to make, although in my opinion, I believe that men will begin to feel excluded as women gain more than an equal half of the roles and responsibilities.
All in all, I congratulate women for the power they have gained and I commend men for accommodating our dreams and aspirations.
Moving forward, I believe that both men and women are entitled to receive an equal amount of support, appreciation and opportunities.
Australian agriculture will be in good hands with these two parties working harmoniously together.
- Georgia Hoolihan, 2018 Miss Showgirl runner-up
