Veterinary Workforce Development
Advancing Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) in the veterinary sector
April 20, 2026
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Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
Around the world, more women are entering the veterinary profession than ever before. Yet, institutional cultures, policies, and norms have not fully adapted to reflect this shift. Research conducted by WOAH with the financial support of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in 2023 and 2024 revealed persistent inequalities that influence career development, leadership pathways, and workplace participation in the animal health sector.
Barriers linked to gender stereotypes, disability inclusion, and social background—as well as expectations around physical strength, constant availability, caregiving responsibilities, or the need for travel—continue to limit diversity and career development within the workforce. These often‑invisible norms can prevent capable individuals from accessing leadership roles, specialised functions, or field-based positions, despite having the necessary qualifications and expertise.
Creating a more inclusive and resilient veterinary sector requires policies and practices that acknowledge and address these structural challenges.
To foster change and build momentum in the region, WOAH expanded its GEDSI initiatives, including awareness-raising events and partnerships with veterinary associations and networks in Asia and the Pacific region, in particular the Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations (FAVA), the Asian Association of Veterinary Schools (AAVS) and the International Veterinary Students’ Association (IVSA).
Among our initiatives, in the lead-up to the World Veterinary Association Congress 2026 (WVAC 2026) in Tokyo, Japan, WOAH held a comics competition to promote GEDSI in the veterinary sector, inviting veterinary students and professionals to reflect creatively on what an inclusive profession looks like.
The competition aimed to celebrate storytelling, artistic talent, veterinary commitment and GEDSI values, and to inspire dialogue through accessible and engaging narratives. WOAH is very pleased to share through this page all the comics awarded by the selection panel during the competition. We hope you will enjoy the comics as much as the Selection Panel did. If one comic gets your attention and you want to work with the author, promote GEDSI or use the material, please contact WOAH. We will be happy to liaise with the author.
Note: Designations, statements, and opinions in the material do not imply any official position of WOAH or partner organisations, and responsibility for interpretation lies solely with the reader.
