Research aims to shed light on challenges faced by rural women

Federation University researchers are working with a Gippsland-based production company to capture the voices and experiences of 1,000 women based in rural Australia for a new documentary.

The researchers from the Collaborative Evaluation and Research Centre (CERC) have teamed up with CheekyMac Productions and will develop a national survey to distribute across Australia.

CERC Director Professor Joanne Porter says the project is the brainchild of CheekyMac Director Danielle McAlpine Johnson, who wanted to know whether rural women's experiences were similar to hers.

It is hoped that the survey's findings will shed light on important topics faced by rural women living, working, and raising families around the country and that the survey results will be used not just to inform the documentary but to shape policy.

"To ensure that the survey includes the voices of real rural women, we have been tasked with creating a survey that will capture views and attitudes on 13 different unique topics," Professor Porter said.

"The survey will used as the basis for a documentary which will showcase exceptional stories and testimonials.

Professor Porter says CERC researchers will also produce a report and a peer-reviewed journal article on the survey's findings. She says governments or local organisations could potentially use these to help address the myriad issues that rural women face.

The survey, which the production company is distributing to various organisations, has been formulated using the Modified Monash Model and data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics to ensure that participants are from geographically relevant regions.

"There's a real science behind the process, and we know exactly how many surveys we need from every state. The biggest number of responses will be from the biggest populations — Victoria and New South Wales — but every state and territory will be represented," Professor Porter said.

She says the project is an opportunity for Federation University to "make a difference in regional communities and to advocate for rural women on matters that matter".

CheekyMac's portfolio includes the Network Ten documentary Beyond The Fire, a series that showcases the stories of residents in Far East Gippsland in the aftermath of the devastating bushfires in 2019-2020. Stop. Rewind. Play. Is an exploration of the inherent racism Kurnai youth face in the Latrobe Valley.

"Danielle has done some powerful work and has a real regional focus – she wanted to link with researchers and evaluators that have that regional lens as well," Professor Porter said.

"We don't know what the prime issues or concerns of these women are until we do this, so we're covering a gamut of topics because we don't know if it's the gender pay gap, or if it's accessibility to healthcare, or it's the rurality, gender violence or if it's living in isolated areas.

"Our involvement in this documentary is an opportunity to showcase that a regionally based university can make a difference with regional communities and, in particular, advocate for rural women on issues that matter.

"This is about having a social conscience and knowing this is an important issue. It's also about taking a stance, really trying to do something about women's issues and to be that conduit for women to have a voice."

Ms McAlpine Johnson says "partnering with the research team at CERC means we can largely deliver a documentary for rural women, by rural women, from the heart of Gippsland."

"We are deeply committed to shedding light on the unique and often overlooked challenges that rural women face. Through these stories, we aim to raise awareness and inspire social change by showcasing their resilience and strength in living a purpose-driven life. These women are the backbone of Australia.

"This documentary will not only highlight the cultural, social, economic, and political barriers but also celebrate their courage and determination on their path to success. We want to ensure that every woman, regardless of where she lives, has the opportunity to lead well, tapping into everything she is created to be."

Related reading:

Supporting innovative research and evaluation

How research could make for smoother sailing in world-famous race