Women in Science shaping a brighter agrifood future

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, observed each year on 11 February, highlights the vital contributions of women and girls to scientific progress and innovation. It also draws attention to the persistent gender gaps that continue to limit their full participation and leadership in STEM fields.

For the 2026 observance, the FAO Liaison Office in Brussels spoke with five women scientists who are at the forefront of agrifood innovation, each making meaningful contributions across agrifood systems.

Their insights underscore a shared message: transforming agrifood systems requires inclusive science, equitable access to resources, and leadership that reflects the realities women face on the ground. Scientific solutions must respond to the knowledge and priorities of women farmers and scientists alike. Visibility, mentorship, and targeted investment are not optional—they are essential for achieving lasting progress.

Science that reflects real-world challenges

Dr. Lucia Martinelli advocates strongly for science that responds directly to the complex pressures of reshaping agrifood systems, including climate change, demographic shifts, and resource scarcity.

Despite their indispensable role in agriculture and agrifood systems, women remain underrepresented in the scientific fields driving technological and policy innovation. Dr. Martinelli underscores that inclusion is not merely a matter of fairness but a prerequisite for impact.

“Women are landowners, producers, innovators, and decision-makers, yet their contributions remain underrecognized and underfunded.”

While policy frameworks exist to address these gaps, Dr. Martinelli stresses the need for stronger implementation, sustained investment, and greater visibility. For her, empowering women in STEM is central to building equitable and resilient food systems.

“The European Platform of Women Scientists (EPWS) supports policies and initiatives that empower girls and women in STEM. Through promoting women's engagement from education and research to policy-making and technological innovation.”

Learn more about EPWS here.

Opening doors in science

For Irina Pavlova, a Project Officer for Natural Sciences at UNESCO Liaison Office in Brussels, visibility and mentorship counter gender stereotypes that discourage girls from entering scientific fields.

“Closing the gender gap in STEM, especially in agrifood systems, requires sustained action to address entrenched barriers while creating opportunities for women to lead, innovate, and shape science for real-world impact.” 

She points to UNESCO’s For Women in Science and Women for Bees programmes, initiatives that amplify the contributions of women researchers working in biodiversity, ecological restoration, sustainable agriculture, and related fields.

“Another initiative is UNESCO’s Women for Bees programme, a collaboration with Guerlain that empowers women through training and entrepreneurship in sustainable beekeeping, a field traditionally dominated by men.” 

Pavlova reminds us that closing the gender gap is not only about increasing numbers, but also about transforming how science is conducted and who gets to shape research agendas.

Learn more about UNESCO Brussels here.

Evidence that drives change

Prof. Nicola Randall focuses on applied agroecology and on strengthening the use of evidence synthesis in agrifood decision-making. Working at the interface of research, policy, and practice, she leads efforts to ensure that -making. Working at the interface of research, policy, and practice, she leads efforts to ensure that high-quality scientific evidence informs the decisions that shape food security, sustainable farming-quality scientific evidence informs the decisions that shape food security, sustainable farming, and resource governance.

She leads a diverse network of over 200 researchers, half of whom are women, including many early-career scientists.

“Our work also connects gender equality in STEM to real-world agrifood outcomes. By strengthening the use of evidence synthesis, including in smallholder and low-resource contexts where women play a central role, we aim to support more equitable and effective decisions for communities affected by agrifood challenges and transitions.”

Her network work has supported women scientists as leaders, translating knowledge into action and hopefully contributing to more just, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems worldwide.

Learn more about the Center here.

Turning science into action

Dr. Serena Caucci works at the nexus of water reuse, circular economy solutions, and natural-resource governance, areas that are increasingly central to sustainable agrifood systems. Her work demonstrates how applied science

can produce direct benefits for food security, ecosystem resilience, and community wellbeing.

“As a woman in STEM, I increasingly realize how applied research and policy-oriented projects have the power of translating science into concrete action.”

She emphasizes that for gender equality in science to advance meaningfully, women must be trusted not only to generate knowledge but to lead, coordinate, and co-design solutions.

“As the gender gap narrows, women scientists are driving a transformation of agrifood systems toward greater resilience, equity, and sustainability.”

Dr. Caucci dedicates part of her work to mentoring young women scientists and fostering multidisciplinary collaboration, helping break down entrenched silos that often limit scientific impact.

Learn more about the UNU FLORES here.

Strengthening animal health through inclusion

Dr. Gwenaëlle Dauphin has observed firsthand how the growing number of women in veterinary medicine is reshaping animal health systems. She notes that increased participation of women, particularly in regions with strong social norms, has improved service accessibility for female farmers. This has led to earlier disease reporting, better herd management, and stronger uptake of vaccination and biosecurity measures.

“Access to leadership and decision‑making roles, as well as opportunities for research funding, academic advancement, and career progression, remains unbalanced for women as compared to men in veterinary STEM fields.”

Yet she cautions that leadership and research funding opportunities remain imbalanced. Transforming institutional and cultural norms is essential to enabling women to fully participate in senior scientific roles.

“Over time, the closing of gender gaps in the veterinary STEM professions will contribute to stronger, more equitable, and more resilient animal health, health systems, and enhanced One Health relevance by integration of social and gender dimensions.”

Learn more about the Network here.