Take your place at the table

A practical guide for women who want to get involved

Taking your place at the table is a real opportunity to make your voice heard, share your unique perspective, and actively participate in making agricultural decisions. Whether you have already considered getting involved or it’s a completely new challenge for you, here are some practical and inspiring tips on how to take action and enrich agricultural bodies with your expertise and ideas.

Understand the importance of your involvement

As a woman farmer, your unique perspective will contribute to discussions and promote more inclusive and innovative decisions. Diverse boards have been proven to be more efficient and resilient in the face of challenges.

Concrete steps to get started

• Get to know your farm organization. Familiarize yourself with its values, its operations, and the responsibilities of its board members. Visit its website, review annual reports, and participate in events.
• Attend a meeting as an observer. Attending a meeting is a great way to better understand the dynamics at play, the topics discussed, and the way decisions are made.
• Look for a mentor. Identify an experienced person in your circle or within the organization who can guide you and answer your questions. Structured mentoring is a valuable way to build confidence and acquire the necessary skills. In fact, if you become a member of the Agricultrices du Québec, you will have access to a structured mentoring program.
• Dare to ask questions. Never underestimate the value of your ideas or questions. Your unique perspective is an asset that can enrich discussions and broaden the horizons of other members.

Develop your skills with resources and training

Do you want to feel better prepared and supported in your approach to becoming involved in your agricultural organization? Here are some opportunities specifically designed for you:

• Attend practical workshops. Discover training tailored to your needs. These may include public speaking, running meetings, or an introduction to board roles.
• Join a group of inspiring women. Join a network of women in agriculture who share their experiences, offer mentorship, and organize support activities. The Agricultrices du Québec is one such example.
• Access online resources. Explore simple and effective guides to build your confidence and develop your skills.

These initiatives aim to provide you with concrete tools, support, and connections so that you can stand out and make a difference in your farm community.

Tips on how to stand out starting from your first involvement

• Express your point of view. Your unique perspective is a valuable asset. Feel free to share your ideas and experiences, even if you don’t know all the details. Every voice counts when it comes to enriching discussions.
• Get ready in a simple way. A little research or a quick read-through of the items on the agenda is often enough to put you at ease. You don’t have to master every topic to make an impact.
• Trust your strengths. Remember that your presence and contribution are already a step towards change. Your voice, ideas, and experience will add value to every table you sit at.

You are about to make a real difference in your community. Taking your place at the table means contributing to stronger, more inclusive, and more representative decisions. So, why not get started today?