A new $50,000 scholarship fund designed to support and empower women in the New Zealand dairy industry through leadership development has been launched.
Dairy Women's Network (DWN) has partnered with IDEXX to launch the IDEXX Scholarship Fund, which aims to break down systemic barriers and increase the representation of women in decision-making roles across the dairy industry.
This initiative will award scholarship/s up to a total of $10,000 per year, over five years. The fund should create sustained impact by enabling women members of DWN to access leadership training, courses, conferences, and mentorship programs.
"DWN is thrilled to partner with IDEXX on this meaningful initiative," says Jules Benton, DWN chief executive.
"We know that leadership capability among women is not lacking - it's the opportunities and resources that often are. This fund helps bridge that gap."
The scholarships are intended to support a range of leadership development activities such as training, conferences, mentorships, and further education. Recipients will also benefit from strengthened networks and support structures, positioning them for success in governance and management roles within the sector.
"At IDEXX, we're passionate about supporting the people who shape the future of farming," says Christopher Lambeth, commercial leader, IDEXX LPD Australia & New Zealand.
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"Partnering with Dairy Women's Network to launch this scholarship fund is especially meaningful, it helps open doors for women in the dairy sector to step into leadership roles and make their mark. We're excited to see the impact these scholarships will have on individuals, their businesses, and the wider industry."
Applications are now open for the IDEXX Scholarship Fund and is exclusively for DWN members.