Stories of successful women veterinarians/Agri-Allied Professionals globally
Dr. Arushi Kanwar
PhD Scholar, LUVAS, Hisar, Haryana
Email: arukanwwar15@gmail.com
“Where there is a woman, there is magic”
– Ntozake Shange
In the dynamic landscape of veterinary medicine and agri-allied professions, where tradition and innovation intersect, a profound transformation is underway. Historically dominated by men, these fields have witnessed a remarkable surge in the presence and influence of women practitioners. The tapestry of their stories not only reflects their personal triumphs but also paints a broader picture of a paradigm shift in the industries that sustain our planet.
The evolution of these professions has been shaped by a rich tapestry of experiences, triumphs, and challenges faced by women who dared to dream beyond traditional boundaries. Their stories are not only emblematic of personal resilience but also represent a collective movement toward inclusivity, diversity, and gender equity in industries where such strides have historically been slow to materialize. The shifting dynamics of gender roles, coupled with the growing recognition of the multifaceted contributions of women, have paved the way for a new era in veterinary medicine and agri-allied professions. This transition is marked by a departure from antiquated norms and an embrace of the wealth of talent and innovation that women bring to the forefront of these critical sectors.
These remarkable women are shattering stereotypes and defying limitations, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future:
Dr. Temple Grandin- Pioneer in Animal Behaviour Expert
- Temple Grandin is a renowned figure in the field of animal science and welfare. Overcoming the challenges of autism, she has revolutionized the livestock industry by designing humane handling systems. She is a prominent proponent for the humane treatment of livestock for slaughter and the author of more than 60 scientific papers on animal behavior. Her innovations have not only improved animal welfare but have also enhanced the efficiency and profitability of farms. Dr. Grandin’s story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that diversity in thought and perspective can lead to groundbreaking advancements.
Dr. Elsa Murano – Leader in Food Safety
- Elsa Murano’s journey is marked by her exceptional leadership in food safety. As the first female and Hispanic president of Texas A&M University, Dr. Murano has played a pivotal role in shaping agricultural policies and ensuring the safety of the global food supply. Upon assuming her role as undersecretary for Food Safety with the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 2001-2004, she and her team were faced with outbreaks of foodborne illness due to contaminated meat products, necessitating the recall of millions of pounds of product from the market. Her team implemented several science-based measures that resulted in reaching the CDC’s (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) goals for reduction of foodborne illnesses in the U.S. from contaminated meat products. Her accomplishments underscore the importance of diversity and inclusion in leadership positions within agri-allied professions.
Dr. Sosamma Iype: Vechur Amma
- Sosamma Iype: Sosamma Iypeis an Indian animal conservationist from Niranam, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala. She was the former Head of the Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding at the Kerala Veterinary University and was awarded the Padma Shri for the year 2022 by the Government of India for her services to conserve the Vechur cow, a native breed of cattle. She, devoted her life to the conservation of the Vechur cows and is often called as “Vechur Amma” literally meaning mother of Vechur cows. She has also been awarded with India Biodiversity Award 2016 from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Indian Ministry of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change and National Biodiversity Authority of India and from Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for her unwavering efforts.
- Njeri Kanyua: Kenya’s Equine Whisperer – She pursued her dream, becoming the first Kenyan woman to graduate from the University of Nairobi School of Veterinary Medicine. Her mobile clinic, a converted Land Rover christened “Hope on Hooves,” crisscrossed the vast plains, bringing veterinary care to the most remote corners of Kenya. Dr. Kanyua’s story isn’t just about horses; it’s about shattering stereotypes and empowering women. She became a beacon of hope, not just for aspiring female veterinarians, but for any woman daring to dream beyond societal constraints. Her achievements echo far beyond the Kenyan plains, inspiring a generation of women to carve their own paths in the traditionally male-dominated world of agriculture and veterinary care.
Dr. Ruchika Lakshman
- Ruchika Lakshmanan: The resident veterinarian at the Madras Crocodile Bank and Center for Herpetology in Chennai, Dr. Lakshmanan is an expert in treating reptiles, including critically endangered crocodiles, snakes, and turtles. Her research and conservation efforts have contributed significantly to the protection of these unique and threatened species. She started working with snakes and other reptiles in 2017 and today she is a zoo vet at the world’s most renowned reptile zoo ‘The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust’.
Vandna Shiva
- Vandna Shiva: Indian environmental activist and advocate for food sovereignty:
Dr. Vandana Shiva is a powerful voice for the protection of biodiversity and sustainable food systems. Her work with Navdanya, a non-profit organization, promotes ecological farming practices and empowers farmers to protect their land and livelihoods. She is a founding councillor of the World Future Council (WFC). The WFC was formed in 2007 “to speak on behalf of policy solutions that serve the interests of future generations.” Their primary focus has been on climate security. She has campaigned against the implementation of the WTO 1994 Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement, which broadens the scope of patents to include life forms.
Dr Simran Ashish Shinge: Vet with the wings
- Dr Simran Ashish Shinge: Vet with the wings- She is an alumnus of Mumbai Veterinary College has recently earned a commercial pilot’s license at age 24, successfully becoming the youngest female veterinarian pilot in India. Simran, who is born and brought up in Mumbai, while her family hails from Miraj, Sangli district, completed her degree in BVSC & AH in 2021 after which she spent two years as a student pilot at Redbird Flight Training Academy, Baramati and got her CPL in November 2023. Her inspiration to become a pilot are her father and uncle who are both pilots in Air India. During her flying training she continued to treat strays around the airport. Her love for animals and passion for the veterinary profession constantly motivate her to work towards the welfare of stray animals. Balancing her passion for aviation and veterinary she proves that one can achieve great heights if you have the determination and discipline to do so.
Dr Jagritee singh: One women army
- Jagritee singh: One woman army- Jagritee singh one of the 4 selected candidate in RVC (Remount Veterinary Corps) lady officers list . She is beauty with brains and captain is perfix megnifies her statures.
Dr. Sunita Kamble
- Sunita Kambleis an Indian goat veterinarian recognised in the Women Transforming India awards in 2017. She trained in the “Para-Vet Goat Programme” from the Mann Deshi Foundation to become the first goat veterinarian in the area, and went on to lead a team of seven “barefoot veterinarians”. She introduced an artificial insemination service to improve the breeding of goats for both milk and meat, and has trained 350 women in the technique. Goats are seen as an “alternative and sustainable livelihood option for women-headed households in the area”, and her work was recognised in 2017 by the “Women Transforming India” award
- Ann Flora Froude Flashman (Lady Rylah): was an Australian veterinarian. She was the first woman to enrol in the University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science and the first paid veterinarian at the Lort Smith Animal Hospital in North Melbourne. From 1939 until her death in 1969, Flashman ran a private practice focused on treating cats, dogs and birds from her veterinary surgery and home
Dr. Evelyn Nguleka
- Evelyn Nguleka: She became the first female president of the Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU) upon her election in 2013. Upon her election to the presidency of the World Farmers Organisation(WFO) in 2015.
- Pearl Howard Dawson was a New Zealand veterinarian, hockey and cricket player, and sports administrator. Dawson also played cricket and in 1928 was one of the founders of the Auckland Girls’ Cricket Association. Dawson was awarded the British Empire Medal, for services to women’s sport in Auckland, particularly hockey and cricket.
Conclusion: From the windswept plains of Kenya to the bustling corridors of research labs, the stories of these women veterinarians and agri-allied professionals paint a vibrant tapestry of resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication. They have not only broken through glass ceilings but also redefined the very landscape of these critical fields. Their triumphs stand as beacons of inspiration, urging future generations to embrace their dreams and rewrite the narratives of what it means to be a woman in science, agriculture, and animal care. In them, we see not just individual victories but the promise of a world where inclusivity and diversity pave the way for a brighter future, for animals, for communities, and for our planet. In the end I would like to send up the article with quote by Mark Twain
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.
So throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
Refrences:
Article : “Kenya’s First Female Equine Vet Carries Hope on Hooves” (The Star, Kenya, 2019):
Giesecke, Dr Robin (July 2000). “Ann Flashman: The First Woman to Enrol in the Sydney Veterinary School” (PDF). Australian Veterinary History Record. 28. Retrieved 15 January 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgOyKkrCZQA&t=173s
“Backgrounder: Inspiring Stories – Women Transforming India Awards, 2017”. NewKerala.com. 29 August 2017. Retrieved 9 March 2019.
Women achievers open paths to achieve what was perceived as impossible”. Hindustan Times. 8 September 2017. Retrieved 9 March 2019.
“Empowering Women Entrpreneurs and their Communities”. Mann Deshi Foundation. Retrieved 17 March 2019.
Sinha, Chetna Gala. “How women in rural India turned courage into capital: TED2018”. TED. Retrieved 17 March 2019.
