The role and protection of women in veterinary medicine

Abstract

Gender inequality within Veterinary Medicine has occurred since the consolidation of the profession in Brazil, where there was a need for professionals who were responsible for the health of horses in the armed forces, occupied by men. However, in 2020 a survey was carried out showing that 54% of veterinary professionals are women in Brazil, but data from Minas Gerais show that 45.5% of women have already suffered discrimination, 23.3% have reached management positions, 41% have already lost job opportunities and 73.5% of women say they face more challenges than men. Therefore, the present work aimed to exchange experiences between women from the UFU community with the external community, with the aim of giving Veterinary Doctors a voice to help undergraduates of the course to deal with possible professional adversities. The event was held at the Umuarama Campus at UFU, divided into a presentation of the speakers' experiences and an exchange of knowledge between everyone present. To evaluate the event, participants expressed their opinions on forms and these were passed on at a meeting for possible improvements. Speakers Any Carolina presented the reality of black Veterinary Medicine, where 79.4% of Veterinary Doctors declare themselves to be white, demonstrating the deficit in equity. Presenting the difference in the distribution of specialties related to agribusiness and, also, salary equity pointed out by Adriana Garcia. Finally, the event presented the relevance of discussing gender issues in the profession, in order to seek a more inclusive and conscious society.