Women in Agriculture Webinar Series Part 2 – reflection
When planning Part 2 of the Women in Agriculture webinar series, I found myself reflecting on the questions I often ask as a young researcher, a soon-to-be mother, and an employee in international agricultural research: How do I build a meaningful career that makes a difference? Can I balance a growing family and a professional life? Am I taking full advantage of the opportunities that come my way? These thoughts inspired this session, which featured two women I currently work with and deeply admire, Dr. Bosibori Bett and Dr. Anna Okello from ACIAR. Both have forged diverse, impactful careers in agriculture and development, and their stories serve as powerful reminders that uncertainty, self-doubt, and questioning one’s path are not signs of weakness, but natural parts of every journey.
Bosi and Anna shared how they didn’t wait for opportunities, they created them. Bosi volunteered at high-level events like an African Union summit, using the chance to connect with leaders and gain visibility. Anna took a bold step early in her career, leaving New Zealand to volunteer in Morocco, a decision that evolved into a decade of impactful work across Africa and Asia. Their stories showed that often, career-defining moments begin with simply saying “yes,” even when you’re unsure. They also highlighted the importance of understanding the context in which you work. Bosi emphasized the need to adapt technical knowledge to local realities, while Anna spoke about the importance of grounding science in political, social, and policy contexts to ensure long-term impact. Both messages resonated strongly with me, especially as I think about my work with farming communities and how deeply rooted change must be to truly serve people.
The discussion also strengthened the importance of having the right support systems especially mentors something I have increasingly come to value. Bosi reminded us that not everyone you meet will be your support system, and learning to recognize who truly champions your growth is essential. She encouraged us to follow up with people, stay connected, and take initiative in building relationships. Anna’s journey, shaped by the encouragement of mentors, family, and peers, especially while raising young children in a leadership role, highlighted how important it is to surround yourself with people who open doors, offer guidance, and lift you up. I found myself reflecting on my own support network and how vital it is, especially during moments of uncertainty and self-doubt.
For me, the webinar was a powerful reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all path to success. What matters is showing up, staying grounded in your values, being bold in your choices, and believing that you belong in this space. As I continue on my journey, I carry with me the words and wisdom of these two incredible women, and the assurance that with the right mindset and support, it is possible to do meaningful work and thrive, both professionally and personally.
Finally, I would like to thank my RAID colleagues Anam, Mikayla, and Jess for their support in bringing this session together. This series was created to better understand and celebrate the role of women in agriculture worldwide, and to use these conversations as a source of inspiration for both early career researchers and those further along in their journey. Our speakers, Bosi and Anna, have truly embodied this vision. I am sure their stories and insights have sparked encouragement, motivation, and reflection and have inspired many, just as they have inspired me.
There is a lot more which was difficult to cover in this reflection and so If you weren’t able to join us live, you can catch up by watching the full webinar recording below.
