As part of her work for Grodan, Marketing Director Gonneke Gerkema is often the only female in management teams. For herself, her daughter and future generations of women, she has a personal wish to see more gender equality in the workplace. “Moreover, various studies show that a better gender balance is also good for business,” she says. To play an active part in making a difference, she recently joined the Gender Alliance for Innovation in Agriculture (GAIA) on behalf of Grodan. To tie in with this, we asked some of our other female colleagues to share their experiences of being a woman in horticulture.
Here, Joyce Rasquin, Manager Business Development in Roermond, talks about the positive signs of change within Grodan, and explains why she believes a career in horticulture holds just as much appeal for women as for men.
In my role as Manager Business Development, I head up a team of three people – two males and one female – so we have a precise 50/50 gender split within my own department! However, when you look more broadly, certain areas of Grodan are largely male-dominated – especially in more technical roles, for example.
Positive signs of change
Therefore, I think it’s a good thing that we’ve joined GAIA to focus more attention on the topic of gender equality. I’m looking forward to seeing how the various initiatives help us to make progress, because I believe that diversity of all kinds, not just gender, is necessary to ensure that all views are taken into consideration. I already see some positive signs within Grodan. Many male members of the team increasingly recognise that female colleagues can provide different perspectives, and are actively seeking their input and observations, which is a good start.
Having said that, the horticulture industry as a whole is still largely a “man’s world”. It’s not unusual to discover that you’re the only female in a work situation – whether at internal meetings or when visiting growers, research institutions, trial stations or consultants – but personally, I never feel daunted by that. Each person has an equal right to voice their opinions, and I can definitely stand my ground in discussions. And on the upside, there are never any queues for the ladies’ toilets at industry conferences and trade fairs!
‘Horti’ degree not essential
I would like to see more women working in horticulture, of course. Unfortunately, whenever I have a vacancy, I still receive more applications from men than from women. I suppose that’s largely a reflection of how many females think they have the right knowledge and skillset to work in this industry. However, it’s not always essential to have a degree in horticultural science or technology. I myself come from a business background, but I did an extra study programme in Wageningen after joining Grodan four years ago to gain a better understanding of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA).
In essence, CEA is where nature meets technology. Many people don’t realise it, but even though a high-tech greenhouse is a controlled environment, it’s one filled with life: not only plants and flowers, but also bees and other insects. And working with living organisms creates a unique vibe in this industry. People are extra motivated and passionate about their work.
Positive impact
There is also a sense of pride in working at the start of the food chain. Although I’ve always worked in the food industry – initially for a producer of plant-based dairy alternatives and subsequently for an ingredients company – I now feel that I’m involved in the most interesting and fascinating part of it. After all, by helping growers to produce more food or medicines using fewer natural resources such as energy and water, we’re able to have a positive impact on people’s lives and futures.
In fact, our sector is part of the solution to some of today’s global challenges, such as feeding the world and improving sustainability. And I think the idea of working in such a dynamic, innovative and rewarding sector holds just as much appeal for women as for men. So I hope that many more women will be inspired to join us!