Going Against the Grain

 

The Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center’s Business Development Unit was launched as part of a forum called Going Against the Grain which featured a panel of women who have either successfully started their own businesses or engaged in fulfilling vocations, many in the traditional male dominated areas.
The presenters included an egg farmer, plumber, disc jockey, graphic artist, architect, caterer and construction engineer who all rendered captivating and poignant life stories about their passion for their chosen careers and their grit and determination in overcoming various obstacles in order to be successful.  Some key issues that were brought to the fore included the challenges of operating a small business, overcoming gender stereo-typing and the importance of training and education.
A number of young women who attended the event spoke of it as an encouraging and inspiring experience and are looking forward to further pursuing courses at GARD to prepare them for their own endeavours.