The International Day of Women and Girls in Science was established in 2015 to recognize the critical role women and girls play in science and technology. The annual event observed on February 11th was initiated to encourage women in their pursuit of training, education and careers in science as well as to acknowledge the contributions women have made in technology, engineering and mathematics.

Approximately 25% of researchers in agricultural science and technology in Tanzania are women. The Innovative Agricultural Research Initiative (iAGRI) was established in part to increase the participation of women in the agricultural sciences as well as support their training and professional development in careers critical to improving food security. Today, iAGRI supports 135 students to pursue advanced degrees in horticulture, human nutrition, plant pathology and agronomy. Of these students, 51% are women.

In recognition of the first International Day of Women and Girls in Science, iAGRI acknowledges not only individuals, but also organizations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and others that enable and promote access to education, training and research for women and girls at all levels.

Today, iAGRI joins the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT) in observation of the first annual International Day of Women and Girls in Science in recognition of the critical contributions of women in science. Here, we highlight four iAGRI-funded students. Each profile features an emerging leader in the agricultural sciences and how her training and education have prepared to pursue careers that contributes to a food secure future. iAGRI is a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded project under the Feed the Future initiative.

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