Why we highlight women in ag sciences
Many platforms focusing on women in science primarily emphasize STEM fields, neglecting the crucial role of women in agricultural sciences.
Agriculture heavily relies on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), yet it is often treated as distinct from STEM. Additionally, agricultural sciences encompass a diverse range of disciplines beyond STEM, including social sciences, communications, and economics, among others.
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Agriculture careers face significant stigma, with many associating the field solely with farming.
However, there are numerous career paths within agriculture, including agricultural communications, economics, education, social sciences, and various STEM disciplines such as plant pathology, entomology, and agricultural engineering. Highlighting women in these roles is essential for challenging stereotypes and broadening perceptions of careers in agriculture.
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Agricultural communications: Our communicators play a pivotal role in disseminating information about agricultural products and important news within the industry.
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Agricultural economics: Making informed decisions to sustain agricultural operations, employment, and global food security relies on experts in agricultural economics.
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Agricultural education: Qualified educators are essential for addressing social and economic disparities and combating misinformation, ensuring the future of agriculture and humanity.
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Social sciences: Social scientists investigate the underlying societal issues affecting agriculture, ensuring that research is relevant and impactful for human well-being.
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STEM disciplines: Professionals in fields such as plant pathology, entomology, horticulture, soil science, food science, agricultural engineering, and animal science conduct rigorous research to safeguard food safety, understand environmental impacts, and develop new technologies essential for human and environmental health.
Women are underrepresented in agriculture, and it's crucial to address this imbalance.
While various factors contribute to this disparity, it's imperative to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women currently working in agriculture while actively striving to increase gender diversity in the field.
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Women in the agricultural sciences face stigma, underrepresentation, discrimination, and unequal pay, highlighting the urgency to address these challenges.
Despite being essential contributors to agriculture worldwide, their contributions are often overlooked. It is crucial to share their stories to improve their work environment, offer guidance, and provide resources for their career advancement.
How will these women be acknowledged?
We'll recognize these women by conducting interviews across various agricultural sectors and producing original content covering a wide array of topics, from professional growth to personal narratives and lifestyle insights.
Increasing visibility, challenging stigmas, and promoting representation and diversity goes beyond just having a website.
While the website serves as a starting point, collective action is needed to make a meaningful impact. Everyone can contribute to this cause by engaging with our website and social media channels, sharing our content, or expressing interest in collaborating with our initiative. Together, we can amplify the voices and achievements of women in agriculture.
The Women in Agriculture Science organization also strives to build a supportive community by empowering, educating, and connecting women. We aim to accomplish this by reaching out to women from different fields of the interdisciplinary science of agriculture. We also aim to identify the different disciplines, careers, resources, and network opportunities within agriculture sciences. Moreover, we seek to further educate the general public about the importance of agricultural sciences and women representation.
Representation matters. We stand up for inclusion and encourage women to raise their voice and become an advocate for transparency in any way possible. We achieve this by visualizing the diversity of women in the agricultural sciences. We are calling for support, taking action, and inspiring others to become Women in Agriculture Science.
We invite all women, colleagues, LGBTQ+ members, minorities, and people with disabilities to support each other. Our science, work, and commitment should be recognized.
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Join us!