World Veterinary Day
Gender Awareness Raising Webinar in Asia and the Pacific
April 28, 2025
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The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), in collaboration with the Japan Veterinary Medical Association (JVMA), the Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations (FAVA), the Asian Association of Veterinary Schools (AAVS), and the International Veterinary Students’ Association (IVSA) Asia & Pacific, is proud to host a dedicated session on Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) at WVAC 2026.
As the veterinary profession continues to evolve, understanding and addressing the barriers that limit equitable participation has become increasingly important. This session will shine a spotlight on the ways gender, disability, and social inclusion shape the experiences and opportunities of veterinary professionals, students, and educators across Asia and the Pacific.
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 supported by 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—such as expectations around physical strength, constant availability, caregiving responsibilities, or the need for travel—continue to limit diversity 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 build momentum in the region, WOAH has engaged professionals, academics, and students through awareness‑raising events, capacity‑building activities, and a regional partnership with FAVA, AAVS and IVSA Asia & Pacific.
In the lead‑up to WVAC 2026, WOAH and its partners are organising a regional comics competition to promote GEDSI themes creatively within the veterinary profession. The winning entries will be showcased during the session.
This dedicated GEDSI session at WVAC 2026 will bring together experts, veterinary authorities, educators, practitioners, and students to exchange insights and discuss practical approaches to fostering a more inclusive animal health sector.
The session will also feature an award ceremony for the GEDSI Comics Competition, offering participants an inspiring glimpse into how future veterinarians envision inclusive veterinary services.
This session aims to:
Date and time: 23 April 2026, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Japan Standard Time
Venue: Tokyo International Forum, Tokyo, Japan and online
Agenda: Programme (provisional as of 25 March)
Participation:
On 22 April 2026, one day prior to our GEDSI session, the Asian Association of Veterinary Schools (AAVS) will host a workshop, “Intersectionality & GEDSI in Veterinary Practice: Who Is at the Table?”, as part of the 24th Annual Meeting of the Asian Association of Veterinary Schools (AAVS) (“VetEd Asia 2026”). See the flyer and their website event page for more details.
