On 8 March, we joined worldwide communities as we celebrated International Women’s Day under this year’s theme: “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” This theme highlights the urgent need for action to secure equal rights and opportunities for everyone, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Empowering the next generation – especially young women – is essential to driving lasting change. Through its Living Labs and multi-actor approach, INCiTiS-FOOD fosters inclusivity by equipping women with the skills, knowledge, and networks to lead in sustainable agriculture. By advancing gender equality in research, technology, and entrepreneurship, initiatives like INCiTiS-FOOD amplify women’s voices in shaping a more resilient and just future.
Voices of Change: The Women Shaping Science and Innovation
This section of the blog post highlights the perspectives of three accomplished women who are an inmoprtant part of our project: Christy Aikhorin, Director at Women Engage For A Common Future (WECF); Ann-Marie Bangura, Living Lab Co-manager at Njala University; and Sabine Desczka, Senior Coordinating Researcher in Impact Investment at Wageningen Research.
Each of these women has built an inspiring career in science and technology, but what continues to fuel their dedication? For Christy, it is the privilege of collaborating with passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, all united in their commitment to creating an equal and sustainable world. She finds fulfilment in bridging disciplines, cultures, and perspectives to effect meaningful, lasting change. Ann-Marie draws motivation from the power of knowledge sharing, whether through training, research, publications, or community service. Meanwhile, Sabine values the autonomy her role provides – she appreciates the freedom to identify what needs to be changed and the ability to take action to make that change a reality.
The Journeys Behind Their Careers: What Sparked The Passion
We asked all three women to reflect on what initially drew them to their careers, and their responses reveal the unique journeys that have shaped their commitment to their work.
For Christy, her career was driven by a deep commitment to sustainability, justice, and challenging the status quo. She sought a vocation that would allow her to align her skills with her passion for sustainability and women’s leadership. This pursuit led her to WECF, where she now channels her expertise into advocating for inclusive policies and implementing impactful programs that empower women and communities to thrive.
Ann-Marie’s journey was shaped by her commitment to lifelong learning, particularly in the areas of natural resources and environmental issues on a global scale. Her career has been an ongoing search for sustainable natural resource management methods and strategies that can drive lasting change.
Sabine, on the other hand, shares that she did not initially seek out a career in economics; instead, economics found her. She recognised that her perspective on economics differed from that of many others in the field. She felt the existing economic models were inadequate, driven by male-dominated viewpoints, and overlooked critical factors that contribute to a better quality of life. Sabine was determined to challenge this and bring a more inclusive and realistic approach to the discipline.
Breaking Barriers: Overcoming Challenges in Their Careers
Despite the challenges faced, all of our key speakers highlighted that they persevered by engaging, negotiating, and demonstrating their capabilities, all while building a strong support network of allies and mentors. They all agreed that the key is not only proving oneself but also lifting others along the way. Overcoming obstacles while pursuing a career in science requires a leap of faith, optimism, and an unwavering belief in oneself. With relentless hard work, everyone can find a way forward and succeed.
Words of Wisdom: Advice to Their Younger Selves
At the end of the interview, all three women were asked to reflect on their journeys and share advice with their younger selves. Their words were both personal and inspiring.
Christy’s advice is to be bold and embrace curiosity: “Never let fear define your path. Step outside your comfort zone, embrace change, and trust in your own voice. You don’t have to fit into anyone’s mold – your uniqueness is your power. The road ahead won’t always be smooth, but every challenge is an opportunity to grow. And remember, you are not alone – find your tribe.”
Ann-Marie has a short but strong message: “Be confident and consistent”
Sabine encourages curiosity and perseverance: “Don’t let anybody stop you from being curious! Don’t let anyone discourage you! You may never fully understand the impact of that smile or the information you shared with someone, but it matters. Science will teach you to find your purpose, not just about the world, but also about yourself.”
Their reflections inspire future generations of women to embrace their individuality, stay persistent, and trust in the transformative power of science.
From Research to Impact: What Inspires Their Careers
In the second section of our blog post, we feature insights from three distinguished professionals, each offering a unique perspective on their work. Coming from different fields, these three women bring valuable experiences that further enrich our understanding of what women encounter in their professional lives. We spoke with Nse Biyoghe, a teacher-researcher; Nieguitsila Adelaïde, General Secretary of the Faculty of Sciences at Université des Sciences et Techniques de Masuku; and Kristina Savić, Dissemination and Communication Manager at Foodscale Hub.
When asked what they love most about their work, Nse highlighted the freedom to choose her research topics, enabling her to pursue studies that are both meaningful and impactful. Nieguitsila finds deep fulfilment in working with people, particularly students and administrative staff, as she thrives in a collaborative environment.
For Kristina, the most rewarding aspect is communicating ideas that drive change – whether it’s supporting sustainable food production or empowering communities. She also enjoys crafting messages that highlight these achievements in a way that resonates with different audiences, ensuring that important innovations reach the people who can benefit from them the most.
The Passion Behind Their Careers: What Keeps Them Going
A love for physics was a defining factor for Nse, inspiring her to delve deeper into the subject and explore its possibilities. Nieguitsila was motivated by the hope of being useful to her community, seeking a profession where she could contribute meaningfully to those around her.
For Kristina, the driving force behind her career in communication is a deep belief in its power to drive change. She sees effective communication as a way to make research more accessible and engaging, inspiring action and bringing solutions closer to the people who need them most.
Overcoming challenges: Communication is the key
Overcoming challenges in the workplace requires resilience, adaptability, and a strong support system. Some rely on continuous learning and collaboration, seeking guidance from mentors and peers to navigate obstacles. Others emphasise the importance of staying focused on their goals, using setbacks as opportunities for growth. However, all of the women we talked to highlight the role of effective communication in addressing challenges, ensuring that ideas are conveyed clearly and that teams work together towards solutions. Whether through determination, community support, or strategic thinking, these women demonstrate that challenges can be stepping stones to success.
Reflections and Advice: Encouragement for Next Generation
As our conversation drew to a close, we asked our interviewees to reflect on their journeys and share a message with their younger selves. Their words offer inspiration, encouragement, and a reminder that confidence and perseverance open doors to opportunity.
Nse keeps it simple yet powerful: “I would say to my younger self that everything is possible.”
Nieguitsila encourages fearlessness and determination: “Don’t be afraid to do what you love. Be determined and do your job correctly.”
Kristina highlights the importance of curiosity and carving out one’s own path: “Stay curious and don’t be afraid to create your own journey. Keep asking questions, keep learning, and trust that the work you do will make a difference.”
Celebrating Women’s Contributions and Looking Ahead
The stories shared by these remarkable women remind us of the power of resilience, curiosity, and determination in shaping careers and driving change. Their journeys reflect not only individual achievements but also a broader movement towards greater inclusion and equity in science, technology, and innovation.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us recognise the importance of fostering supportive environments where women and girls can thrive. By amplifying their voices, breaking down barriers, and championing gender equality, we can build a future where opportunities are truly for all.
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