Women use technology every day. Sometimes in ways we don’t even recognise ourselves.
Whether we’re taking photos on our phones, swiping payments in our workplaces, receiving weather warnings or watching video tutorials – all women are in tech.
Through our programs, Rural Women Online provides opportunities for women in regional, rural and remote Victoria to come together around a shared desire for digital learning, and an appreciation for what we can achieve with the right tech tools in front of us.
Upcoming events
Our upcoming Digital Intensives are running in the Greater Shepparton and North East regions of Victoria in 2024. We are currently looking for expressions of interest to support the co-design of these events.
If you are located in or around Shepparton or Yackandandah, and work or live in spaces where women and technology intersect, get in touch via info@ruralwomenonline.org.au.
We’d love to hear from you.
Why digital inclusion?
The Digital Divide
Rural Women Online 2022 was developed as the growing gap in the digital divide continues to disadvantage women who reside in regional, rural and remote Victoria.Participation & Opportunity
Digital literacy, the skills and competencies that are required to use digital technologies, are vital for women to fully participate in and take up opportunities on offer in today’s society.Equity for All
Digital skills enable women to gain better outcomes across employment, health, training and education, and disaster recovery, whilst also providing life affirming community and familial connections. Digital inclusion is an equity issue.
Past Programs
The first phase of Rural Women Online was centred around individual mentorship and support for regional, rural and remote Victorian women.
Rural Women Online Open Days ran in 12 rural locations from July to October 2022, including 4 bushfire affected communities.
A human-staffed help desk ran weekly on Wednesdays from 4-7pm. Women were able to call for assistance with specific technical issues from the comfort of their own home or workplace.
Women were also offered the opportunity to be mentored by a tech savvy woman who provided up-to 30 hours of free guidance and individualised technical support.
Two digital resources – the Keep Safe Online eSafety course and a series of handy How-To Guides – were developed to assist women pursuing their own digital learning. These resources are freely available for all to use.
Our values:
Rural Women Online
Integrity
We foster honest, authentic, open, transparent communication, and are accountable to the team, to participants, stakeholders and all others connected to the project as it unfolds.
We foster honest, authentic, open, transparent communication, and are accountable to the team, to participants, stakeholders and all others connected to the project as it unfolds.
Kindness
We are sensitive to different backgrounds and expectations, conducting ourselves with civility in everything we do.
We are sensitive to different backgrounds and expectations, conducting ourselves with civility in everything we do.
Fun and Adventure
We bring fun and enjoyment and a sense of adventure to the project and its promise.
We bring fun and enjoyment and a sense of adventure to the project and its promise.
High quality endeavour
We listen well and aim to exceed expectations. We seek to create ways for people to move forward to achieve great outcomes through clarity in all our communications.
We listen well and aim to exceed expectations. We seek to create ways for people to move forward to achieve great outcomes through clarity in all our communications.
Fairness
We are sensitive to inequity. We grapple with issues of affordability and access and advocate for these wherever possible.
We are sensitive to inequity. We grapple with issues of affordability and access and advocate for these wherever possible.
Realism
We are realistic in our offerings so that people’s expectations can be met and not crushed, working within budget constraints and not exploiting people’s time and efforts.
We are realistic in our offerings so that people’s expectations can be met and not crushed, working within budget constraints and not exploiting people’s time and efforts.
Inclusion
We actively strive to be as inclusive as possible and non-judgemental.
We actively strive to be as inclusive as possible and non-judgemental.
Respect
We practice respect and look for the best in everyone.
We practice respect and look for the best in everyone.
Exemplary Feminism
We strive to be exemplary in our feminist values and practices e.g., Men as allies, collaborative and committed to creating better outcomes for rural women.
We strive to be exemplary in our feminist values and practices e.g., Men as allies, collaborative and committed to creating better outcomes for rural women.
Encourage Opportunities
We create and encourage opportunities for rural women wherever possible. We work to enhance rural women’s IT access.
We create and encourage opportunities for rural women wherever possible. We work to enhance rural women’s IT access.
Our team
Alana Johnson AM
Project Director
Chair, Victorian Women’s Trust
Mary Crooks AO
Project Director
Executive Director, Victorian Women’s Trust
Bronwyn Johnson
Project Manager
Rural Women Online
Jess Dugdale-Walker
Project Officer
Rural Women Online
Rachael Imam
Communications Manager
Rural Women Online
Bim Rutherford
Community Liaison Engagement Officer, Greater Shepparton Region
Leanne Mulcahy
Community Liaison Engagement Officer, North East Victoria
Established in 1985 the Victorian Women’s Trust (VWT) is a proudly independent feminist organisation.
We support women, girls and gender diverse people to thrive. We create social change projects and campaigns; conduct research on the issues affecting our communities; run thought-provoking events; provide mentorship opportunities; and give grants to vital grassroots projects.
VWT is 100% powered by donations from people in the community who share our vision for an equal future for all.
Our partners
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