'Digital doesn't work everywhere'
The chief executive of Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) Gabrielle O’Brien says care is needed to avoid digitally excluding those in rural communities.
The organisation’s national president, Gill Naylor says that recognising the global contributions of women and the part RWNZ plays in those contributions each year is an important day on their calendar.
“This year’s theme of Embracing Equity particularly resonates deeply with RWNZ,” Naylor says.
“As an organisation, RWNZ has been seeking equity for rural women, their family and communities including access to health services, educational resources and social inclusion since the organisation’s inception,” she says.
Naylor says that although the expression of issues facing rural communities may appear differently today, there are still parallels in the underlying challenges rural women continue to face.
“For example, the issues of rural isolation and connection are not necessarily focused just on physical access but also about a lack of connectivity in a world moving increasingly towards digital information and opportunities,” she says.
“The devastation caused by the recent cyclone and flooding have created yet another level of complexity regarding issues of isolation and access to communication and services experienced by many rural families."
“RWNZ mission to strengthen, support and connect people and communities through its charitable and policy work, encouragement of entrepreneurial rural businesswomen and as a strong rural voice lies at the heart of creating and embracing equity in Aotearoa New Zealand,” says Naylor.
“International Women’s Day provides an excellent reminder to take stock and celebrate what has been achieved and focus us on our goals for the future.”
