On 7 March 2025, members of the Natural Resources Institute Postgraduate Society (NRIPS) were honoured to host an inspiring event celebrating International Women’s Day. The event focused on the critical intersection of gender equality, leadership, and social inclusion in food systems and beyond. It was a privilege to host keynote speaker, Dr Lora Forsythe, and a powerful panel discussion led by Rose Joseph, a PhD student at NRI working in public health research, particularly in vector surveillance and control. Together, they sparked conversations sensitising participants to the need to promote change towards equality and inclusion in our communities and workplaces.

The event kicked off with some thoughts from Dr Forsythe, Associate Professor in Gender, Inequalities and Food Systems at the Natural Resources Institute. Dr Forsythe leads the Gender and Social Difference research group and shared her research on the root causes of inequities within global food systems. She emphasised the importance of using an intersectional lens, and highlighted how women are frequently misrepresented in narratives around food production.

She explored the undervaluing of women’s contributions in food systems, from farm-level labour to leadership. She also examined how feminist approaches to research can help ascribe new meanings to women's labour and leadership in food systems.

Her insights resonated deeply with the audience, particularly as she discussed the important role of women’s leadership, movements and collective action in change making. The talk reinforced the idea that supporting intersectional gender equality in food systems is not just about inclusion but also about restructuring leadership, policy and other structural inequalities to acknowledge women's diverse and integral roles.

Following the keynote, Rose led a discussion on the challenges women face in leadership and decision-making roles. The panel explored the role of men in understanding and supporting women’s contributions, emphasising that allyship is essential in dismantling systemic barriers.

The discussions were not just theoretical; they were a call to action. The journey towards gender equality and inclusion requires ongoing effort, both personally and professionally. It is time to take the lessons from today and apply them to our workplaces, communities, and lives.

This International Women’s Day was a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting and empowering women in all fields, especially in sectors like agriculture, where gender inequalities remain deeply rooted. Together, we can continue to work toward breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive world for all.

Thank you to everyone who made this event a success. We hope you continue to uplift, empower, and support one another beyond International Women’s Day!