Where Practice Meets Purpose

Credit By: DR MEHREEN BASHIR

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• 04 Apr 2026

My journey as a woman veterinarian is defined less by extraordinary achievement and more by persistence, integrity and continuous learning

From lecture halls to livestock sheds, I learned that the real challenge of being a woman veterinarian lies not in competence alone but in balancing professional ability with societal expectations, personal responsibilities and unspoken pressures.  My journey has not followed a straight path marked only by recognition or visible success, instead it has been a continuous personal and professional evolution that reshaped my identity and strengthened my emotional capacity.

Veterinary service became more than a career choice; it became a life commitment requiring adaptability, endurance and emotional strength in unpredictable field conditions and ethically complex situations where science, economics and human emotions intersect. Over time, I realised that true capability in this demanding profession means not only performing under pressure but sustaining purpose, empathy and compassion while growing through the challenges it presents.

My entry into veterinary science was not shaped by early ambition but evolved gradually through academic pathways and circumstance. Initially, I approached the profession with uncertainty, questioning whether its physical demands and emotional responsibilities aligned with my abilities, a reflection of the internal negotiation often experienced by women entering traditionally demanding and male-dominated fields.

Veterinary education required sustained academic rigour, physical endurance and consistent practical engagement, during which I became aware of subtle differences in expectations placed on male and female students, particularly in large-animal practice, where women’s competence was sometimes approached with caution rather than assumption. With continued exposure to clinical work, field responsibilities and interaction with farming communities, this uncertainty gradually transformed into clarity as I recognised veterinary medicine as a profession closely connected to livelihoods, food security, public health and rural resilience.

Over time, what began as circumstance evolved into a deliberate professional commitment, shaped by consistent preparation, discipline and quiet resilience that strengthened my professional identity. When I shared my aspiration to pursue veterinary science, the response was often marked more by hesitation than encouragement, shaped by concerns about whether the field was suitable for a woman or manageable alongside its physical demands and remote postings.

Beneath these concerns lay assumptions about gender roles, yet I chose to move forward, believing commitment, discipline and knowledge mattered more than gender, even as I understood I would be judged not only on competence but on my ability to challenge expectations.

Transitioning from student life to professional service soon revealed a different reality, where classroom learning could not fully prepare me for the unpredictability of fieldwork marked by limited infrastructure, staff shortages, resource constraints and constant community expectations, turning each day into a lesson in adaptability, resilience and experiential learning rather than ideal conditions.

In the early stages of my fieldwork, some farmers hesitated to accept guidance from me, not due to lack of accuracy, but because expertise was not readily associated with a woman. Instead of confronting this scepticism directly, I chose to let consistent work, careful listening and effective results speak for themselves. Over time, successful treatments and reliable follow-up replaced doubt with trust. This experience taught me that credibility is built through competence and consistency and that true leadership grows quietly from accountability and trust rather than dominance.

Balancing the demands of veterinary practice with personal life added another layer of complexity, as emergencies rarely respected weekends, holidays or family responsibilities. At times, professional duties and societal expectations created a persistent sense of being stretched in multiple directions, leaving me feeling inadequate on both fronts.

With experience, however, I learned that balance is not about perfection but about conscious choice. Letting go of unrealistic expectations became a form of strength rather than compromise. Gradually, I came to understand that self-care is not a luxury but essential for sustaining long-term commitment and that setting small boundaries, acknowledging fatigue and practising self-compassion are vital for endurance in veterinary service.

Looking back, my journey in veterinary service, I learned that many challenges like overwork, emotional strain and gendered expectations were systemic realities, not personal shortcomings. This understanding strengthened my commitment to persistence, mentorship and honest dialogue within the profession. Today, I see supporting younger veterinarians, especially women, as part of my responsibility, offering reassurance that struggle is a natural part of growth, not a sign of inadequacy.

Despite every challenge, I would choose this path again because it continues to matter. Looking ahead, I remain committed to veterinary service not only as a profession but as a path of continued growth and contribution. I understand that new challenges and responsibilities will emerge, yet experience has strengthened my ability to adapt. I now measure progress not by comfort but by purpose. As long as my work supports animal welfare, public health and community well-being, it remains meaningful.

My journey as a woman veterinarian is defined less by extraordinary achievement and more by persistence, integrity and continuous learning. It reflects the quiet yet essential contributions of many women whose steady efforts sustain veterinary service. This path has taught me that strength can be calm, leadership can be subtle, and progress can be gradual yet significant.

Above all, it has affirmed my belief that women do not need exceptional circumstances to belong in this profession but only opportunity, respect and space to grow. I continue forward with confidence that choosing this path remains worthwhile.

(The Author is a Veterinary Assistant Surgeon, Animal Husbandry Department, Kashmir. Email: mehreenbashir1018@gmail.com)