ISAAA`s Rhodora Romero-Aldemita on Science Career, Advice for Young Women, and Her Aspirations for Asia`s Agriculture

By Clement Dionglay

March 2, 2022

Figure: International Women's Day 2022 theme is centered on a world free of bias, streotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. IWD2022 forges women's equality to collectively #BreakTheBias.

On February 11, the world celebrated the annual International Day of Women and Girls in Science. It is implemented by UNESCO, celebrated to promote women and girls in science. The celebration is also an opportunity to promote full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls. As part of the global celebration, CropLife Asia (CLA) featured ISAAA Inc. Executive Director Dr. Rhodora Romero-Aldemita in their Asia's Farm to Fork 5 Good Questions Podcast hosted by Duke Hipp, CLA's Director for Public Affairs and Strategic Partnerships.

To start the observance of Women's History Month (March) and to celebrate International Women's Day (March 8), Science Speaks is featuring Dr. Romero-Aldemita's interview where she provides essential advice to young women who are–or wants to–exploring a career in science, along with her views on the adoption of modern agriculture. Dr. Romero-Aldemita also discussed how the different forms of agricultural technology can help improve the lives of farmers and the food supply chain in Asia.

In the CLA podcast, Dr. Romero-Aldemita looked back at her younger self and their family, citing the inspiration she got from her mother who used to be a science teacher. She said that as a young student, she dreamed of becoming a medical doctor, but financial constraints prevented her from pursuing that. However, it allowed her to pursue agriculture and biotechnology, which are equally challenging pursuits. "With hard work and persistence, I completed my education through scholarships and fellowships," she proudly stated.

See: https://www.isaaa.org/blog/entry/default.asp?BlogDate=3/2/2022