Over the last 40 years, the veterinary sector has undergone a profound transformation. During this time, in a One Health profession that incorporates animal, human and environmental health, women have always played a significant role.
The latest Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) report states that the veterinary profession in the United Kingdom is for the most part female, with women comprising 57 percent of all registered veterinary surgeons (RCVS, 2021). When it comes to veterinary nurses, 96.8 percent are female, while only 2.7 percent are male. Furthermore, nearly 80 percent of veterinary degree students are female. However, despite all these facts, there remains a noticeable lack of women in senior management and positions of responsibility within the profession.
Is it possible for women in the veterinary profession to balance working life with having a family?
One notable challenge facing women in the veterinary profession is balancing family and career responsibilities. While strides have been made regarding maternity leave, the essence of motherhood extends beyond the mere absence from work. Female veterinary professionals are expected to continue their careers while fulfilling the expectations of being a mother, but this is often not possible without employers who support and prioritise the well-being of their employees.
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, RCVS President Dr Sue Paterson, FRCVS, and RCVS Treasurer Dr Tshidi Gardiner, MRCVS, gave an interview sharing their experiences of navigating the world of leadership and the importance of inspiring inclusion within the veterinary sector (RCVS, 2024).
‘Encouraging inclusive leadership is vital in tackling these inequalities by ensuring women have equal opportunities to thrive and progress in their career’
“Women are under-represented in all aspects of business leadership, including within the veterinary sector,” said Sue during her interview. “It is widely acknowledged that women and male leaders bring different but equally important strengths to their roles, meaning a blend of different genders is more likely to create a strong and successful business framework.”
Tshidi added: “Historically, we know that there have been gender disparities within our veterinary profession, such as wage gaps and a lack of women in leadership positions. Encouraging inclusive leadership is vital in tackling these inequalities by ensuring women have equal opportunities to thrive and progress in their careers. I strongly believe that accurate representation in our profession should include leadership roles that reflect the female demographic of veterinary professionals. This sends a strong message to our community and the wider public.”
So, what does this mean?
The journey of veterinarian women is a story of resilience, triumph and transformation – a road marked by countless milestones and remarkable achievements. From breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes to assuming leadership roles and driving positive change, their contributions to veterinary medicine are profound and enduring. As we celebrate their legacy and honour their accomplishments, let us continue to support and uplift veterinarian women in their pursuit of excellence and equality.
The journey of veterinarian women is a story of resilience, triumph and transformation – a road marked by countless milestones and remarkable achievements
