This International Women’s Day's theme is ‘Accelerate Action’ for gender equality. According to the World Economic Forum, at the current pace, it could take five generations to achieve global gender parity. So, let’s put our foot on the pedal!

Agriculture has long been a male-dominated field, but women are increasingly stepping into leadership roles, driving innovation, and breaking barriers. They’re not just participating—they’re transforming the industry from the ground up.

One of these women at Tasmanian Irrigation is Amy Madsen, Environmental Officer—Compliance. Amy is a champion for farmers, sustainable resource management, and land custodianship. She recently shared her journey and insights.

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“My interest in agriculture and the environment was shaped from a young age, growing up on Banwell, a Merino sheep grazing property on the East Coast. My family has farmed this land for five generations; my parents have instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility - not only to sustain the land but to improve it for future generations.”

With a Bachelor of Applied Science (Agriculture and Business) from the University of Tasmania, Amy has built an impressive career focused on sustainable agriculture and natural resource management. She is passionate about regenerative farming and recognises the critical role that healthy soils, efficient water management, and biodiversity play in creating productive and resilient agricultural landscapes.

After gaining practical experience as an Assistant Consultant at Ag Assist and working throughout university on her family's farm and several local farms and businesses, Amy joined Tasmanian Irrigation in 2021.

“I enjoy the variety of my work. But one of the most rewarding elements of my role is conducting Farm Water Access Plan (Farm WAP) audits with farmers. Many of the farmers I work with are incredibly passionate about environmental stewardship,” Amy says.

“Their enthusiasm is contagious, and I’m inspired by how they integrate sustainability into their irrigation practices.”

Having grown up experiencing drought firsthand, Amy understands the transformational power of irrigation. She says an irrigation scheme near her family's property would give her more certainty for the future.

“It’s tough watching livestock go hungry, and the effort of feeding out can be exhausting. On the job, seeing pivots irrigating green crops rather than dust swirling over the land out to sea and livestock struggling for feed is truly fulfilling,” she reflects.

When it comes to accelerating action on gender equality and amplifying the impacts of women, Amy approaches it with the same philosophy as caring for the land:

“Be open to others, offer the opportunities you’d wish for yourself, and embrace new insights. Science and agriculture, like the world around us, are constantly evolving. Welcoming diverse voices does not disadvantage anyone; it benefits everyone. Empowering women in STEM isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do. Women are driving innovation on the land, and I’m proud to be part of that progress while also looking forward to one day helping my parents farm our family farm.”

On this International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the women who are leading with passion, curiosity, and courage—women like Amy who are not only breaking the mould but also building a more sustainable and equitable future for all.