Empowering women veterinary paraprofessionals through gender-responsive training

Women make up two-thirds of the 600 million low-income livestock keepers globally MacVicar. 2019/2020). Despite their leading role in day-to-day care of animals, they are severely underserved by veterinary extension and advisory services, meaning they are less likely to receive and benefit from these services compared with their male counterparts (Dione et al, 2021; Galie et al, 2017). Women veterinarians, veterinary paraprofessionals (VPPs), and community-based animal health workers (CAHWs) can be a crucial channel for reaching and addressing the specific needs of women livestock keepers, particularly in contexts where rigid gender norms restrict women’s interactions with male service providers. Yet, in Sub-Saharan Africa, the veterinary workforce remains predominantly male, and women face significant gender-based challenges working in the field, including pay gaps, conflicting family responsibilities, gender bias, sexual harassment, limited confidence and technical training in animal restraint. As a result, many women professionals may shift to safer, more flexible, office-based positions (e.g. laboratory technicians stationed in clinics) or leave the profession entirely, furthering the gender gap in veterinary service access. FAO’s 2020 – 2030 gender policy goal is: “Achieving equality between women and men in sustainable agriculture and rural development for the elimination of hunger and poverty.” To achieve this goal, FAO’s work is guided by four objectives that highlight key dimensions for promoting gender equality in agriculture, rural development, and natural resource management for attaining food security and nutrition for all: