On International Women’s Day 2021, #IWD2021, the Codex Secretariat has launched a video message on the theme of the day #ChooseToChallenge, celebrating the contribution women in the Codex family make to ensure food is safe and can be traded fairly through the food safety standards of the Codex Alimentarius.

📽️ | On #IWD2021 we celebrate women’s achievement in Codex to ensure #FoodSafety and a level playing field for trade through international standards.

#InternationalWomensDay @UN_Women pic.twitter.com/98FhT4Ggpd

— Codex Alimentarius (@FAOWHOCodex) March 8, 2021

To celebrate the achievements of women in Codex and raise awareness on this global day of the daily challenges women face, committee chairpersons and members of the Codex Secretariat shared their personal reflections concerning their own challenges.

I, like many others, face the constant challenge of having caring responsibilities in some form for ageing parents. While I don’t feel that I have fully overcome this challenge I do think that being very clear in my own mind of their importance to me, that establishing routines and carving out specific time to devote to them has helped.

Fran Freeman, Chairperson of the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems

I overcome all challenges with a focus only on a positive outcome with full confidence in its implementation. Humor and irony are excellent helpers along the way.

Nailya Karsybekova, Chairperson FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for Europe

I have been carried by my passion for nutrition and by so many who trust me that I can do it.

Anja Brönstrup, Chairperson Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses

Committing to a solid education and continuing to be, believe in, and be true to myself.

Hilde Kruse, Codex Secretariat

My family and I overcame many economic and personal challenges to make sure I was the first person in my family to attend University, guaranteeing a future filled with possibilities like being a part of the Codex Team.

Elaine Raher, Codex Secretariat

Learn more

Visit the IWD campaign website

Main Photo: (left to right) Anja Brönstrup, Nailya Karsybekova, Mariam Eid, Fran Freeman

Photo credit (c)FAO/Bob Scott