Disruption unveils itself in various forms, not always with a loud noise but often in the quiet nuances of acknowledgment, leading by example, granting permission, and fostering inclusion. These subtler manifestations, I believe, constitute some of the most potent disruptions—gentle yet persistent, sustainable, and constant. A continuous uproar isn’t the solution; it’s the measured, incremental strides that truly make a lasting impact.

As International Women’s Day approaches, I’ve observed the discourse with a keen eye, witnessing the disillusioned, disappointed, broken, and those who have transcended these states. The discussions around cupcakes and mothers’ meetings, while I appreciate them quietly, don’t solely instigate change. My own journey with advocating for women has been a gradual awakening. Having spent a significant part of my life in male-dominated spheres like policing, farming, and leadership, the gender gaps weren’t glaringly apparent to me, but acknowledging their existence is crucial. The gaps are there, numerous and disheartening. Engaging in conversations, numerous conversations, is essential. Equally important is the need to gather, fund, educate, equip, and empower women.

Incorporating women and making their inclusion a core value in various sides of life—business, industry, community, and family—is remarkably simple. The skills needed for specific roles can be cultivated, and dismissing the unique attributes women bring because they may not excel in one aspect is, at best, naive and, at worst, remarkably shortsighted.

I advocate for assessing the entirety of an individual, embracing the diverse roles women play as mothers, grandmothers, foster carers, volunteers, and more. The strength and superpower a woman bring stem from her ability to manage competing demands beyond the workplace, and this is why you’ll find me choosing a woman every time.

Reflecting on my own journey, the most challenging episodes—leaving a marriage due to domestic violence, expanding my family through foster care, resuscitating a child, and being a caregiver during brain surgery—have equipped me to be effective now. I didn’t reach where I am alone; exemplary individuals acknowledged, permitted, and included me. Their actions set off a chain of events that propelled my journey through hard times, enabling me to this place where I can now pay it back and pay it forward.

The line between business and life is increasingly blurred, and I often address this space because, like you, I spend a huge portion of my time here, and our wellbeing (health, happiness and relationships) also resides here. There is an ever-increasing ‘blur’ between business and life, especially in RRR Australia and in AusAg, and I speak and write about this space a lot because prioritising these things ‘little by little’ adds to our lives, our others and the greater good. I’ve realised the importance of community, kindness, belonging, and inclusion in fostering education, empowerment, and equipping. Collective voices pave the way for progress.

As the world grapples with various crises, investing in women appears as a solution. The UN Women rightly states, “Investing in women and championing gender equality turbocharges a future where everyone in society can thrive.” It’s not about complicating inclusion; it’s about taking small steps—words, actions, gatherings, belonging, education, and inclusion—all valuable starts.

This International Women’s Day, I’m delighted to host a virtual morning tea for students in regional South Australian schools. I’m bringing together some of the most impactful disrupters in the State, individuals whose disruption stems from the heart, duty, decades of contribution, and a commitment to better outcomes for women, especially those in rural and regional areas and Australian agriculture. Their consistency, tirelessness, and proactive inclusion in the hidden spaces deserve recognition and voice and I honour them for standing up and including others.

I encourage you to take a step today to include a woman in your family, workplace, industry, and community. Your efforts do matter, and the impact might be more significant than you realize. Take that step and see the positive transformation that follows.