During the 91st General Session last May, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) held its first-ever transregional Gender kiosk. This event showcased WOAH’s recent work on gender and inclusion, engaging Delegates, representatives from national governments and international organisations in discussion. Kiosk visitors shared their experiences and observations regarding gender stereotypes, which mainly targeted veterinary students and early-career professionals and reflected on actionable ways to promote gender equality in the veterinary domain.  

This event generated positive feedback and valuable insights on gender issues, as well as on WOAH’s commitment to supporting its Members in adopting gender-inclusive approaches. Quizzes and prizes were prepared to engage visitors and enhance learning. 

Staff from the Regional Representation for Asia and the Pacific (RRAP) and the Sub-Regional Representation for South-East Asia (SRR-SEA) collaborated with the Gender Task Force Secretariat to promote impactful gender inclusion studies from Africa and South-East Asia commissioned by WOAH in 2023-2024. Key recommendations emerged from this work, notably how a wide range of institutions can improve their policies and practices to increase women’s participation and representation in the animal health sector, leading to overall improved animal health. 

Women and leadership

A majority of visitors recognised that women in the veterinary sector still face discrimination when striving for leadership roles. A glass ceiling – or an invisible barrier – negatively impacts women across various organisational hierarchies, making it a key challenge to address. On this topic, kiosk staff presented the outcomes of interviews conducted during last year’s General Session, particularly of female Chief Veterinary Officers from different continents. Interviewees emphasised ways to help women attain leadership positions in the animal health sector, including providing more training and advocating for gender balance at national, regional and international levels. 

Learning from the gaps and shaping policies 

The WOAH team presented its first gender-disaggregated data analysis to kiosk visitors. This analysis showed changing trends from 2013 to 2023 and advocated for further gender equality in Veterinary Services. 

Despite the increased representation of women in WOAH institutional bodies, regional and international events, women holding top-level leadership positions remain a minority.  

WOAH intends to develop a gender mainstreaming strategy in 2024-25, identifying priority areas in its work, including advocacy, research, analysis, training and awareness raising. In addition to gender, the Organisation also aims to better integrate equality, disability and social inclusion or GEDSI in the implementation of its programmes and activities. 

The Gender kiosk shed light on this crucial need to recognise the intersectionality of gender with other factors, such as race, age, culture, disability, class and sexuality, which also impact career opportunities. Looking through an intersectional lens, and as recognised in WOAH’s 7th Strategic Plan (2021-2025), promoting fairness, inclusion and diversity will not only empower women but also improve the public good.

More information:  Kiosk Presentation – WOAH on Gender 

Contact: The WOAH Gender Task Force Secretariat gendertaskforce@woah.org 

Main photo: Gender kiosk presenters and visitors at the 91st WOAH General Session, May 2024 © WOAH/C. Moran