“Strength, skill, and determination”: Inspiring the next generation of female veterinarians

What inspired you to pursue veterinary medicine in Bolivia? 

The love and happiness I felt when I came into contact with any animal inspired me to make a difference, so I decided to fulfill my dream of studying veterinary medicine. This led me to one of the most incredible experiences of my life, as I am one of the people involved in their recovery. Caring for every one of them, without exception, is what makes us veterinarians.

What has been one of your most memorable experiences working as a veterinarian so far?

One of my most memorable moments was being part of a deworming and vitaminisation campaign for livestock. Despite initial skepticism from colleagues about my ability to contribute due to being female, I insisted on participating and proved myself in the field. It was a powerful moment for me, showing that dedication and skill matter more than assumptions.

As a female veterinarian, have you faced any unique challenges in your career so far?

Absolutely. One of the many challenges I have faced is gender bias manifesting itself in leadership opportunities. In Bolivia, it’s no different, especially for young women starting out their careers. The challenge I experienced was a lack of confidence when it came to finding work or learning new skills, believing that women are delicate, and that fieldwork is a man’s job. The beginning of my career was difficult. I still remember when the only work I was assigned was paperwork and office work. Eventually, I entered the practical field.

Although I performed well, the animal owners, especially the men, were very distrustful of me. I received stares and criticism when I touched the animals, which made me feel somewhat insecure and scared. But despite that, I continued with my work. When I finished, they realised what a good job I was doing, and over time, I earned their trust. And most importantly, I regained my own. This taught me not to give up, showing me that I had to continue so as not to let anyone break that confidence I had in myself.

What challenges do women face when entering the veterinary field in Bolivia, and how can they overcome these obstacles?

From my experience practising in Bolivia, I have seen that gender biases remain deeply rooted in society, and these perceptions often present obstacles for women entering the veterinary profession. Women, particularly young ones just starting out, often face the expectation of having years of experience before they are trusted with significant responsibilities. The absence of support can erode their confidence and make it harder for women to gain the experience they need.

Despite these challenges, many women veterinarians have excelled by carving out their own paths, establishing their own clinics or practices. This autonomy has allowed them to demonstrate their skills and prove that they are just as capable. However, these obstacles must be challenged and overcome; it is crucial for women to maintain a strong mindset, leverage the knowledge they have gained, and persist in their determination to succeed. No matter how demanding the work may be, we have the same ability to perform and achieve results as anyone else.

How do you think the veterinary field could better support women moving forward?

To achieve equity, I believe it’s essential to provide more opportunities for young female veterinarians by giving them a vote of confidence and support. Providing this support can inspire more young women to pursue this career path, which, although demanding and challenging, is necessary in any part of the world. This would contribute to inspiring new generations of veterinarians who think a successful career in this area is impossible to achieve. It’s crucial to ensure that women are evaluated based on their skills, not age, gender, or experience. Everyone should have the same opportunities to succeed.