The Be Your Best Self personal development programme for Women in Agriculture is an integral part of the Scottish Government’s vision to make Scottish agriculture a fairer, more inclusive industry where business succession is not determined by gender, training is accessible to everyone, and more women take on senior roles.
The Course is delivered by an independent group which collaborates to meet government targets and inspire women across rural Scotland. The course includes:
- Enhancing mental fitness
- Building confidence and resilience
- Understanding your strengths
- When and how to work with others
- Building a relevant network with likeminded women
There are many physical skills which are vital to rural Scotland but sometimes intellectual and mental skills are overlooked. BYBS Programme works with women to build their resilience, confidence, networking ability and wider mental strengths so that they are better equipped to play a significant and impactful role in the future of rural Scotland.
As primary care givers in many/most farming families, women hold the key to ensuring that future generations (both male and female) are confident and able to contribute to the growth of Scottish agriculture and other rural businesses. The sector is changing and up-skilling rural women is critical to the future success of the industry. For future generations it is vital that women have equal representation.
Whilst the course does not teach rural skills directly, the setting up of Communities of Practice allows the women to set up their own learning communities to continue their development and apply learning at a local level. The women also share practical knowledge and skills with each other including through the use of a closed Facebook group where they can share information and support both during and long after they have completed the course.
Participants have come from all over Scotland and because the programme is delivered online, geography is no barrier to attendance. It is hoped that in future, face to face events will take place as part of the ongoing programme and smaller groups of participants are already taking part in Communities of Practice, with meetings having already taken place in person. It's already evident that women are benefiting from these networks and knowledge and experience sharing and many smaller, as well as the larger, communities have been formed.
Applications are still being accepted for the programme for cohorts which will run until June 2023 and more details can be found here: Be Your Best Self – The People Portfolio