First Steps

First Steps is a two-day programme specifically designed for rural and provincial women who have developed skills and strengths within the context of their communities, families and farming lives.

These women form the backbone of their communities, are self-motivated and involved but may not fully recognise the value of their skills and contribution.

They are now contemplating making changes to their lives, taking these skills to a new level.

First Steps aims to:

  • give women greater confidence and insight into the value of their skills
  • confirm competencies and, if necessary, reframe them, to open up opportunities
  • provide support for the development of an individualised plan of action

Women from the First Steps workshops will leave having:

  1. greater confidence to explore and take the next step
  2. the foundations and support to build a CV
  3. insight into the value of your skills/strengths and potential
  4. an individual plan with clear actions to achieve your goals
  5. the opportunity to receive on-going support while you implement your plan 

The plan of action might include:

  • future study opportunities
  • developing an off-farm business idea
  • a business plan for their farming business
  • re-entering the workforce
  • a community project

Opportunities to stay connected to the AWDT after First Steps include:

  • application to the Escalator programme
  • developed support networks
  • involvement with fundraising activities as a Friend of the Trust

“Without doubt the overwhelming experience of women who have attended First Steps is they wished they had done it years ago and that it far exceeded their expectations.  It is a programme for women who want to explore - the more you put in and are prepared to explore, the more you will get out of it.”

“All of our programmes have gone onto form ‘mastermind’ groups for a three-month period.  Women who have chosen to do this have found enormous benefit in being held accountable for their plans, discussing when things didn’t turn out for them, contributing to growth of others and completing their CVs using the group’s knowledge and experience.”  -  Trust founder Lindy Nelson