Her Rice Science: Meet 4 Women of IRRI and their fun stories working in science

2025 marks the 10th year since the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS) and the 30th year since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action were declared to elevate gender equality by leveraging women’s rights.

This year, IRRI is celebrating IDWGS with the theme “Her Rice Science” by exploring diverse career paths that girls and women can take to help shape the future of rice science. IRRI aims to close gender gaps by breaking stereotypes and fostering fun and empowering spaces for women inside the laboratory, along the office halls, and around the rice fields.

“A fun and empowering space for women and girls in rice science should be a multifaceted, vibrant hub where women and girls aren’t just represented but celebrated, and their potential is not just recognized but amplified.”, shared IRRI Gender and Livelihood Team Lead Jummai Yila. Spaces for women should foster exploration, collaboration, and mentorship, igniting curiosity and confidence while providing access to inspiring role models and a supportive community that believes in women’s power to innovate and drive progress in rice science, ultimately unlocking the full potential of innovation for a better future.

“Empowering women in STEM is not just about filling quotas, but about unlocking the full potential of science and innovation.”

~Dr. Jummai Yila, IRRI Country Representative for Uganda and Gender and Livelihoods Team Lead

Let us explore the lives of four women of IRRI from diverse backgrounds as they share their roles and tell fun stories at work.e of something, I can do it with my phone.