AWDT Wind Down Signals Changing Landscape for Rural Women’s Leadership

Earlier this month, AWDT announced it would be phasing out over the course of the next 12 months.

AWDT was founded 16 years ago by Lindy Nelson with the aim of understanding the needs or rural women, removing barriers to leadership, and creating pathways for their growth.

Since then, the organisation has supported thousands of women through its Escalator, Understanding Your Farming Business, Wāhine o te Whenua, It’s All About You, and Next Level programmes.

AWDT Helped Shape Leadership Opportunities for Women

Jones says that in the past 16 years there has been significant change for women in the sector.

“When AWDT began, there were fewer visible pathways, networks, and leadership opportunities for women in agriculture,” she says.

“Today, we see more women leading farming businesses, stepping into governance roles, influencing industry conversations, and supporting each other through strong networks and communities.”

She says AWDT has been proud to play a role in that shift alongside others in the sector.

Declining Enrolments and Economic Pressure Impact Sustainability

The announcement of the winddown comes after a period of declining enrolments over the past 12 to 18 months.

Jones says those declining enrolments have been accompanied by increasing economic pressures on rural communities which have impacted the ability for women and farming businesses to commit to the trust’s programmes.

“After careful consideration, we reached the view that continuing in the current form was no longer sustainable,” Jones told Dairy News.

She says the decision is reflective of the current environment, not the historical value or impact of AWDT’s work.

Programmes to Continue During Transition Period

As the organisation winds down its work, it will continue to provide its currently scheduled and committed programmes into 2027.

Jones says the wind down of AWDT will be phased over the next 12 months.

“As part of that process, we will explore whether there is an appropriate home for AWDT programmes within existing organisations,” she says.

“We are not in a rush to make those decisions. Any process will be fair, transparent and considered.”

Leadership Support Still Needed for Women in Agriculture

However, despite the current economic climate, Jones says there is still a place for the leadership programmes for women in agriculture.

“The need for leadership development, confidence building, connection, and capability support for women in agriculture remains important,” she says.

“What has changed is the environment people are operating in. Economic pressure and competing priorities are making it harder for many women to step away from businesses, farms, and families to participate in programmes in the same way they may have previously.”

She says that there are other organisations, networks and industry groups available to support women across the rural sector.

“While AWDT has had its own unique approach and community, we hope women will continue to access learning, support and connection through existing organisations, and that this may include some form of AWDT programmes finding appropriate homes within that wider ecosystem.”