Federation University study reveals gender disparities in rural Australia

A Federation University study has uncovered significant perceptions of gender inequality among women in regional areas, with many believing that disparity continues to impact them and their communities.

The findings are from the 1,000 Rural Women Survey, the largest and most comprehensive national study of women living in Australia's rural, regional, and remote areas.

The study was launched as part of the research phase for a new Australian documentary, Rural Daughters. It revealed significant insights into the experiences, resilience and leadership of rural women, alongside the systemic challenges they face.

Of the 1,000 participants surveyed, 41 per cent felt they lacked the same opportunities for career advancement as men, and women aged 30-39 and 50-59 expressed scepticism about receiving equitable professional prospects, revealing a concerning generational divide.

Only about 48 per cent of women aged 50-59 believe they are adequately encouraged in their pursuits, emphasising the challenges women face and the urgent need to create a more supportive environment for their advancement.

Women were also asked if they had ever downplayed their achievements, with the overwhelming majority reporting they had – including nine out of ten women aged 30-59 years.

Federation University's Collaborative Evaluation and Research Centre (CERC) teamed up with Gippsland-based CheekyMac Productions to develop the national survey and to distribute it nationwide.

The project is the brainchild of CheekyMac Director and filmmaker Danielle McAlpine Johnson, who wanted to know whether rural women's experiences were similar to hers.

The findings of the survey will be the foundation for the documentary directed by Ms McAlpine Johnson.

The survey also examines a wide array of critical issues, including natural disasters, health and domestic violence, societal attitudes, racial prejudice, Tall Poppy Syndrome, community life, leadership, and the importance of female role models.

The survey's findings will shed light on the critical topics faced by rural women living, working, and raising families around the country. The survey results will be used to inform the documentary and it is hoped it will also help shape policy.

The documentary – expected to be released in 2026 – will use the statistical analysis to highlight the personal journeys of regional women, showcasing how they overcome adversity, discover their purpose, challenge limitations and lead innovatively in their communities.

Quotes attributable to Professor Joanne Porter, Director Collaborative Evaluation & Research Centre (CERC)

"Rural women remain the invisible backbone of Australia, often working full-time jobs, while caring for children and elderly parents and volunteering in their communities. This study is about bringing their contributions out of the shadows – and recognising the vital role they play in driving our nation forward."

"The contributions of rural women deserve to be celebrated – from their daily contributions to creating safe and thriving communities, but also in times of disaster when their efforts are often missed or dismissed."

"Gender inequality persists across rural Australia, impacting women by reducing their work, life and career opportunities. Many women, especially high-achieving women, feel compelled to downplay their achievements to avoid judgment or disrupting entrenched norms. This needs to change."

Quotes attributable to Danielle McAlpine Johnson, filmmaker, CheekyMac Productions

"This is one of the most comprehensive and emotionally charged development phases we have undertaken in the filmmaking process. What we have uncovered are the quiet revolutions taking place every day in our regions – all led by women."

"These results confirm that rural women are facing significant challenges, but they are leading, innovating, holding communities together in crisis, and doing it all while being largely unseen. Now we have the evidence and the personal stories to back that up."

"This documentary is about more than visibility, it's about legacy. We're building a national platform where these stories can be seen and these voices can be heard and valued - because the future our daughters inherit should be shaped by the truth of the women who walked before them."