Women are increasingly busy people who play vital roles in their communities but for those who live in rural areas, there are often extra challenges to grapple with.
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Next week their roles will be celebrated on the International Day of Rural Women, a United Nations initiative, with women in and around Clunes invited to celebrate the day together.
The Queen Victoria Women's Centre is partnering with Clunes Neighbourhood House to host a celebratory dinner to honour the region's local women and promote connection and friendship.
With feminist organiser, author and advocate Karen Pickering to MC the night at the town hall, it will be an opportunity for all of the town's women to put down their tools and take some time for themselves.
Clunes Neighbourhood House's Lana de Kort said the town was home to many incredible women from farmers to artists and the day was one to reflect on their roles within their community.
This day celebrates the role women in the country make towards the sustainability of rural households and communities, improving rural livelihoods and well-being.
- Lana de Kort
Ms de Kort said that though the town was small, it didn't mean women had the opportunity to take time out for themselves or to interact with new people.
Women are busy people in general but one of the challenges for rural women is the distance between services and support, meaning travel time to get to doctor's appointments or sporting commitments eats away at the chance to take time out for themselves or to connect with others, she said.
Nurse Beth Campbell wears a lot of different hats in Clunes and was excited at the prospect the event would bring the community together and provide an opportunity for people to sit and learn about each other.
Clunes farmer Jenny Crawford was born and bred in the town. She struggles to find time for herself between working at a dairy farm and contributing to the upkeep of the family farm.
She used to be part of a few different groups but due to her work commitments, has withdrawn from a couple so believes the event will be a fantastic incentive to enjoy some time with other women in the community.
She believes there have been many advances for rural women but they are still "at the bottom of the food chain" in many historically male-dominated rural workplaces.
On the night the women will discuss how women can be better supported in rural areas, with feedback relayed back to the Queen Victoria Women's Centre.
Chief executive of the Queen Victoria Women's Centre Jo Porter said though the centre was based in Melbourne, it supported all Victorian women.
"We know that women are the lifeblood of rural and regional communities; we're so pleased to be able to join with the community of beautiful Clunes to celebrate the International Day of Rural Women."
The free celebration will take place on Tuesday, October 15 from 6.00pm. Places are filling fast but tickets are still available on Try Booking.
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