News
Women leaders acquire leadership skills at regional meet
13th April 2007
by Seniorl Anzu
Women in agriculture from the Asia-Pacific region undertook a skills training on leadership recently in the Philippines to become more effective leaders in their respective fields and countries.
Over 20 women from 11 different countries participated in the training, "Leadership Course for Asian Women in Agricultural Research and Development (R&D) and Extension", hosted by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) late last year. Dr Birte Komolong of the National Agricultural Research Institute in Lae was nominated by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research to participate in this two weeks training.
Dr Komolong said traditionally, there is a low representation of women in senior level management positions in Agricultural R&D organisations and private corporations and often women are not considered for leadership trainings in their respective workplace. She said however, this training gave an opportunity for more women to improve their leadership skills and contribute effectively to the development of their respective countries.
Dr Komolong said the course was useful, adding that the beauty had been that it was for 'women only' in which they could easily share and learn from one another openly.
"The course provides a relaxed environment where women can share and discuss issues affecting them in their workplace or personal lives," she said.
Dr Birte Komolong (centre) showing the Australian High Commissioner to PNG Chris Moraitis (right) a NARI research work she was leading in Lae recently
She said the major goals of this leadership course were to:
- help women from Asia become more effective leaders and managers
- develop a pool of qualified and competent women from Asia to lead in international and national research organisations dealing with rice systems
- provide a network of women professionals engaged in agriculture R&D
The training course was initiated by Dr Thelma Paris, a Gender Specialist in the Social Sciences Division at IRRI to provide leadership training for women and to increase their skills so they may become more effective leaders in their respective fields and countries. This was the fifth gathering of this annual event.