Empowering Women in Food Science

Abstract

Working in the food industry is fast paced, exciting, challenging and rewarding, sometimes not in equal measure, but one thing I do know is the industry is made up of committed people who in general help and support each other.

One of the most rewarding parts of working in food science and product development is being part of the innovations that change the landscape of our food system and over the last 20 years those changes have been significant. These innovations are largely down to the immense efforts of food scientists working tirelessly behind the scenes. Despite all of this advancement, like many industries, a noticeable gender gap persists within food science specifically. It's this topic I wanted to explore today, shining a light on the contributions made by women in the industry and highlighting the obstacles women still encounter but also the strides that are being taken to motivate more women into a career within food science.

Numerous factors contribute to the challenges faced by the food industry. One recurring aspect that demands continuous attention is the widespread lack of awareness beyond the industry itself regarding the array of fulfilling career opportunities within the food sector. This deficiency in understanding translates into a lack of interest among school-age children during the early stages of education when exploring potential roles in the industry becomes crucial. Historically food science, like many other scientific fields, has been heavily male dominated and this can be attributed to a variety of social, cultural and institutional factors. These include traditional gender roles, access to education, workplace discrimination and a lack of role models and mentors as well as work life balance challenges because roles within science have historically been seen as more demanding of time and lacking flexibility. All of these factors, coupled with the initial rise of food science as a formal discipline coinciding with a period of time when societal norms heavily favoured men in professional and academic roles resulted in a gender imbalance, setting a precedent which takes time to change. Although these imbalances are gradually shifting, the progress is slower than would be optimal. This could, in part, be attributed to the ongoing effort to dismantle stereotypes and foster inclusive environments. In my experience within the food industry, I witness women navigating through sectors largely dominated by men, facing situations where their voices may not consistently receive the attention they deserve.

The most critical thing to improve the gender gap in food science is to empower women, and foster an inclusive environment that will inspire more women into the sector. There are several strategies some of which I have seen work first hand that I think are absolutely critical if we are to build an inclusive, robust food industry that is fit for the future:

Mentorship programmes: Recognising the power of these programs, the food industry although being a fantastic place to work, can be plagued with people feeling unable to express themselves freely, worrying about knowledge sharing with competitors and most commonly getting swept up in the fast pace of the industry. Mentorship programmes offer a great opportunity to gain guidance, support and insights from experienced professionals who can hugely help overcome some of the barriers we have previously discussed. One such programme which was founded by a food industry graduate during lockdown is Flourish in Food, this is open to everyone within the food industry and the team match participants, this is a wonderful organisation that has created a place to really help build confidence and address issues that could otherwise hold women, and men, back in their careers.

Educational Outreach: Collaboration with educational institutions can encourage more young women to consider careers in food science through workshops, seminars, and outreach programs. These programs can introduce students to the exciting possibilities within food science and provide them with handson experiences in laboratories and research settings.

Industry Advocacy: Industry leaders should actively champion diversity and inclusion by crafting policies that facilitate the recruitment and advancement of women in food science. Companies can set diversity targets and create supportive work environments that empower women to excel in their roles. In addition, highlighting the business benefits of diverse teams can motivate organisations to invest in gender diversity initiatives.

Highlighting Success Stories: Sharing success stories of accomplished women in food science can showcase their achievements and inspire the next generation of female professionals. These stories can encompass various career paths within food science, from research and development to quality control, product innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Promoting Networking Opportunities: Organising conferences, seminars, and networking events specifically aimed at women in food science can create valuable connections and opportunities for collaboration. These gatherings can provide a platform for sharing research, discussing industry trends, and building a strong support network. There are great examples of networking events in the industry, Women in Food & Farming being one that immediately springs to mind that could be a great starting point for women in food science. Although not solely aimed at women, our Nourish Your Network events which are our new in person podcast events are a fantastic way for like minded people to come together and challenge the conversations in the industry and learn new strategies to build confidence and thrive in the food industry.

Scholarships and Grants: Establishing scholarships and grants specifically for female students pursuing degrees in food science can alleviate financial barriers and encourage more women to enter the field. These financial incentives can be offered by educational institutions, government agencies, or private organisations.

Encouraging Leadership Roles: Encouraging and mentoring women to pursue leadership roles within food science organisations is essential for achieving gender equality. Women can make significant contributions as leaders in research, development, and management positions.