International Day of Rural Women 2026

Veterinary Service Manager DACH, Germany

After completing her veterinary medicine studies, Katharina joined a mixed-practice veterinary clinic in Lower Saxony, near Bremen, where she focused mainly on dairy cattle. What made those years particularly meaningful to her was not only working with animals, but also the relationships she built with the people behind the farms.
 
When she later moved into the pharmaceutical industry, her role changed, but her connection with animals and rural life remained. Today, she particularly values the variety of her work and the opportunity to combine practical support for farmers and veterinarians with the latest scientific knowledge.   “At some farms, you eventually became almost like family and I’m still in touch with some of my former clients today. Even today, I still enjoy going out to ‘pet the cows’. What I love most about my job is the variety. I love using my knowledge to help farmers and their veterinarians. At the same time, I also love staying on the cutting edge of science.”

Her advice to women interested in the rural sector is to remain confident in who they are:
 
“Believe in yourselves and be yourselves!”
 
Katharina also expresses this idea through the words of one of her favourite songs: “Vielleicht vielleicht, weshalb so schwer, wenn ich anders wär’ Halb so stur, halb so stark, halb so wild und halb so hart. Wär’ ich eigentlich nur noch halb so ich.”
Yaenniver – Halb so ich
 
And, in English: “Maybe, maybe—why so hard? If I were different: half as stubborn, half as strong, half as wild and half as tough, I’d really only be half as much ‘me’.”
Yaenniver – Halb so ich

Key Account Manager Ruminants, Spain

A veterinarian who has always worked in rural areas, Luz María is currently responsible for the Q fever project, acting as a point of contact for different government agencies and ministries across both animal and public health.
 
For her, one of the most rewarding aspects of the project is its strong connection with the One Health approach and the opportunity to bring different areas of expertise together around a zoonotic disease.

“What I love most about the Q fever project is how perfectly it aligns with the One Health approach — bringing doctors and veterinarians together at the same table to tackle a zoonotic disease. It is a major challenge turning into reality.”

Luz María also highlights the important role women can play in the future of rural communities.

“To women considering a move to rural areas, I would say: go for it. You are the foundation for stabilising the population and ensuring generational renewal. Working in a rural setting allows you to connect with nature and experience daily life alongside people who value your work and feed the world.”

Key Account Manager, Ruminant Value Chains, France

Céline has been passionate about farming and rural life since childhood. Today, her role allows her to stay close to the people who care for animals every day and to better understand the realities and challenges of their work.

By bringing together farmers, veterinarians and other partners, she works on practical approaches to improve ruminant health and farm performance. For Céline, one of the most rewarding parts of her role is seeing collaboration turn into tangible results.

“I love seeing an idea developed together make a difference on the ground.”
 
Her advice to women considering a future in the rural sector is to remain open, curious and confident in the perspective they can bring.
 
“Be curious, spend time on farms and trust the value of your perspective. There are many ways to contribute to the rural sector, and you do not need to fit a particular mould to find your place in it.”

Ruminant Veterinary Advisor, United Kingdom

Katherine grew up in Leicestershire and studied veterinary medicine at the Royal Veterinary College, graduating with honours in 2007. She then worked in mixed veterinary practices across the UK with dairy, beef and equine clients before joining Ceva Animal Health’s technical team in 2014.
 
Her connection with rural life also extends beyond her professional career. Married to a beef and sheep farmer and a mother of three, she remains actively involved in farming life and brings that first-hand understanding into her work as a Ruminant Veterinary Advisor.
 
For Katherine, moving beyond veterinary practice can open up many different ways to continue protecting animal health and supporting welfare, from research and new product development to emerging disease control.
 
“Be curious beyond working in practice as a vet. Being a veterinary advisor for a pharmaceutical company keeps you involved in protecting animal health and supporting welfare in a meaningful way.”
 
She also encourages women to embrace the variety that comes with the role, from travelling and meeting people to sharing their own expertise with other veterinary professionals.
 
“Strong communication is key. Be ready to jump in and get involved, contributing your point of view and experience and supporting fellow vets in practice.”
 

Livestock Sales Manager, Canada

Agriculture has been part of Michelle’s life for as long as she can remember. Raised on a mixed farm, she grew up with values such as hard work, resilience, responsibility and looking out for the people around her — values that continue to influence both her personal and professional life.

After more than 25 years working in agriculture, the relationships and sense of community within the sector remain among the things she values most. Her career has allowed her to work closely with cattle producers, understand their businesses and help identify solutions that can make a difference.

“I love the relationships, the friendships, the conversations, and the sense of community that comes with being part of this industry. I appreciate that agriculture connects people from different backgrounds and experiences, yet brings us together around a common purpose.”

Michelle is also proud to be raising her own children in agriculture and passing on the values she experienced growing up. For her, contributing to the sector means both supporting producers today and helping build a strong future for the next generation.

“For me, agriculture is a career, but it is also a community and a way of life. I am proud of where I come from, honoured to work with a great company, and excited to help build a strong future for the industry and the next generation.”

Her message to women considering a career in agriculture is to recognise the many opportunities the sector can offer and to trust the value of their own perspective.

“Agriculture is a great industry to build a career in, with endless opportunities to learn, grow, lead, and make a difference. Be confident in what you bring to the table. Your ideas, experiences, and perspective have value.”

Veterinary Services Specialist Ruminants, Greece

For Despina, working in the rural sector means staying close to animals — especially cows — while also using her veterinary knowledge to address practical challenges on farms.
 
She particularly values the variety of her role and the opportunity to support farmers in a demanding profession. Being able to combine her passion for animals with work that can have a tangible impact is what makes her role especially meaningful.
 
“I find it very rewarding when my knowledge and support can help make things a little easier or contribute to better results on the farm.”
 
Her advice to women interested in the rural sector is to stay curious, continue learning and, above all, understand the reality of farming first-hand.
 
“Stay curious, be willing to learn and, most importantly, spend time in the field. Try to understand the reality of the farm and the challenges that come with it.”
 
For Despina, professional opportunities in the sector should ultimately be defined by knowledge, dedication and the willingness to learn rather than by gender.
 
“Being a man or a woman should never define what you can achieve; what matters is your knowledge, dedication and willingness to learn. It is a demanding sector, but it offers the opportunity to learn something new every day and to see the real impact of your work.”