This International Women's Day we are delighted to share the thoughts of Dr Elise Anderson on why women are at the heart of building a more sustainable future for animals, people, and the planet.

I work with an amazing bunch of women.

My vet clinic is full of them, and they are one of the reasons I look forward to going to work. Funny, smart, kind and compassionate women: they know their stuff inside out, and look after their patients, their clients and their colleagues with equal dedication and enthusiasm. They are my helpers, my mentors, my partners in crime, and, sometimes my counsellors. I appreciate every one of them. 

My experience is definitely not unique. Ours is an industry that has women at its core. A 2025 report by Jobs and Skills Australia found that almost 70% of registered veterinarians in Australia are now female, with women making up 96% of veterinary nurses and receptionists. 89% of practice managers are female, and women are taking up leadership roles across industry and government.

Here at Vets for Climate Action we know that women are the engine room of our profession: change-makers at every level, from the tiniest of daily tasks to industry-wide policy.  Women play a crucial role in helping our industry become more sustainable, and are key players in the fight against climate change.

Why should we be talking about sustainability on International Women's Day?

There are two important reasons why sustainability and International Women's Day belong in the same conversation.

Firstly, because worldwide, women and girls are disproportionately impacted by environmental change. The UN reports that women and children are 14 times more likely to die in extreme weather disasters and make up 4 out of every 5 people displaced by its impacts. Women grow more than half of the world's food and are at the forefront of conservation in some of our most at-risk ecosystems. The risk posed to animals by climate change, and the risk to women, go hand in hand.

Secondly, because the theme this International Women's Day is Give to Gain, which captures something women in the veterinary profession already live every day. When individuals, organisations and communities invest in women, opportunities expand, systems strengthen and societies thrive. Women have incredible impact when they are empowered to act in their own lives, communities and workplaces. They know what needs to be done, and they are very good at getting on with it.

How does all of this apply to the veterinary profession?

In practice, women are already on the frontlines as the changing climate impacts the animals we love and care for every day, and already creating lasting change: implementing recycling programs, switching to more sustainable products and suppliers, moving to renewable energy. We know this because across practices enrolled in VfCA's Climate Care Programme, over 90% of Climate Champions — those staff members responsible for sharing and implementing the course — identify as female.

And at Vets for Climate Action, we have grown and thrived thanks to the generosity, work and passion of women — from our founder, CEO and board members through to staff, volunteers, and our community of veterinary professionals and animal lovers across Australia and beyond.

This is Give to Gain in action. When a team member shares what they're learning, the whole practice moves forward. When a small win is named out loud, others are inspired to contribute. The giving is individual; the gain belongs to everyone — the practice, the profession, the planet, and the animals in our care.

Give what you can. The gains will follow. Let's keep making change together.

What can you do?

You don't need a plan or a title (or to identify as female!) to get started. Here are three ways to give — and gain — right now:

Learn. Visit our website for practical resources, upcoming masterclasses, and information to help you and your team take confident steps towards sustainability. You don't need to be an expert — just curious.

Act. Find one colleague who shares your interest and do something together, however small. Two voices carry further than one, and shared action builds habits that stick.

Inspire. When your practice makes a change — any change — name it. Share it with your team, your clients, and your community. Tag us on socials. Let people see that this is something the veterinary profession actively does, not just aspires to.

We at Vets for Climate Action want to thank every single one of you who are doing what you can to make a difference — the women who power the veterinary profession, and everyone who works alongside them.

About the author

Dr Elise Anderson is a veterinarian with over 20 years of experience across mixed and small animal practice and animal welfare in Australia and the UK. Having spent most of her career living and working in rural and regional communities, she has seen first-hand how environmental change affects the animals and people in these areas. Her work with Vets for Climate Action brings together her life as a vet and her belief in the power of community advocacy. She lives with her family in north-east Victoria.