The rise of all women discussion groups

Discussion groups are typically male dominated, but the establishment of women only discussion groups has created an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued and able to contribute.

Teagasc has established a number of all women discussion groups over recent times in locations spanning from Meath through to Cork. These groups offer women the opportunity to come together to share their experiences of farming and to learn. 

On this episode of the Environment Edge, Kate Curran, a dairy farmer from Co. Waterford, and Sandra Hayes, Teagasc Tirlán Future Farm Programme Co-ordinator, join Cathal Somers and Deirdre Glynn to discuss the reasons why these discussion groups were formed and what benefits they can bring.

Sandra explained: “The main aim I had at the start was to create an environment in which the women that came to it were comfortable to share and to learn.”

Kate, who returned home to farm alongside her husband two years ago after leaving full-time employment, echoed Sandra’s comments, noting that the groups offer an opportunity to gain knowledge, share experiences and to meet like minded farmers. Kate also appreciates the social aspect that the all women discussion groups offer, while also providing a platform to grow her and other member’s farming knowledge.

Listen in to the podcast episode below:

For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Read more on women only discussion groups here.