MURCHISON MLC Ruth Forrest has been named as one of the country's most influential women and she plans to use her higher profile to inspire other women.

As a finalist in the 2019 Australian Financial Review 100 Women of Influence Awards, Ms Forrest was recognised for her recent contributions to debate and reform around marriage equality and gender law and her advocacy in a host of women's issues over decades.

She was nominated for the prestigious award by fellow politician, Speaker Sue Hickey.

A former midwife and member of the Legislative Council since 2005, the mother of four understands the power of example-setting.

"It is harder to be what you can't see," Ms Forrest said in an interview published today in TasWeekend, quoting a contemporary women's movement slogan.

"This is a major reason I try to keep visible and engage with other women of all ages and stages of life and work constructively with men." When former US secretary of state Madeleine Albright said there was a special place in hell for women who don't help other women, she was not talking about women like Ruth Forrest.

Ms Forrest's entire career has been devoted to helping women achieve the best possible outcomes at crucial times in their lives.

"Over the years as a midwife, I became more outspoken, I guess, in standing up for some of the decisions that were taken out of the mother's hands," Ms Forrest said.

The winner and 10 category finalists for the Women of Influence Awards will be announced at a gala dinner in Sydney on October 22.

Over the years as a midwife, I became more outspoken, I guess, in standing up for some of the decisions that were taken out of the mother's hands - RUTH FORREST

The Mercury Saturday 12 October, 2019