International Day of Rural Women

International Day of Rural Women - 15 October 2026

The Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) is celebrating the women caring for Australia’s land and rural communities, while calling for practical support for their health and the female doctors who care for them.

Marking International Day of Rural Women and its 2026 theme, “Rural Women Farmers Caring for Mother Nature”, RDAA President Professor Sarah Chalmers celebrated the contribution of women across rural and remote Australia. “Rural women have plenty to be proud of,” Prof Chalmers said. “They’re building businesses, running farms, caring for Country and finding new ways to protect the land for the next generation. Many are also the people organising the local fundraiser, checking on a neighbour or keeping a community group going. “Today is a chance to celebrate that work, and to make sure the women doing it have the support they need themselves.

“As rural doctors, we see women who have put their own health well down a very long list of

priorities. When an appointment means hours on the road and time away from the farm, work or caring responsibilities, it can be easy to keep putting it off.”

Professor Chalmers said strong local health services gave rural women more opportunity to get care early and maintain their health throughout their lives. “Having a doctor you know, close to home, makes it easier to raise a concern, keep up with screening or get help when things become too much,” she said. “That includes care through pregnancy, support with menopause, mental healthcare and managing ongoing health conditions. “For some women, being able to see a female doctor also makes it easier to talk about sensitive health concerns. Supporting female rural doctors to stay in the workforce helps us provide that choice.”

Professor Chalmers said practical support for female doctors was essential to maintaining rural healthcare services. “Female rural doctors are often juggling the same family and caring responsibilities as their patients,” Prof Chalmers said. “Flexible rosters, access to reliable childcare and support when returning from parental leave can make the difference between a doctor staying in rural practice or having to step away. “In a small town, childcare options can be limited, particularly for doctors working nights, weekends or on call. We need employers and health services to work with doctors to find arrangements that

make rural practice sustainable. “These are highly skilled doctors who want to keep caring for their communities. Helping them do that is a very worthwhile investment.”

Professor Chalmers said International Day of Rural Women was an opportunity to celebrate

women’s achievements and strengthen the services that supported them. “There is so much knowledge, ingenuity and ambition among rural women. We want them to have

every opportunity to put it to work. “To the women caring for our land and helping our rural communities flourish: thank you. Your own health matters too, and we want you to be able to get the care you need.”