Did you know that women make up only 28% of the global STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) workforce (WEF)? In entrepreneurship, the gender gap is just as stark, with women-founded startups in Europe raising just 1.8% of total venture capital in 2023 (Pitchbook). There is an urgent need for change across STEM, entrepreneurship, food & nutrition innovation, and beyond, where women continue to face significant barriers to funding opportunities, leadership roles, and industry recognition. Achieving gender equality requires systemic change — tackling biases, increasing access to funding, and ensuring women have the support they need to lead and innovate.
Introducing #WomenInFOODITY
At FOODITY, we are committed to driving meaningful change and creating a more inclusive and equitable food and data innovation ecosystem.
On International Women’s Day 2025, we launched #WomenInFOODITY, a campaign to highlight women’s voices breaking barriers and shaping the future of food innovation.
Through this campaign, we will share inspiring stories, valuable insights, and practical advice from women across the FOODITY community — including our funded projects, consortium partners, and innovators from our sister project. Their experiences serve as a collective reminder of how much still needs to be done to achieve true gender equality.
Here are some of the thoughts they shared with us:
Key challenges and strategies for overcoming them
“One of the challenges I have faced and continue to face as a woman in my field is gender bias. The managerial role is often associated with a man, so when a woman — especially a young one — steps into this position, it can be challenging to gain the respect and recognition she deserves.”
— Rossella Guarnieri, Project Manager (Trusty S.r.l.)
“One of the biggest challenges I faced was not having enough confidence to start a business on my own. I believed in myself, but I also feared failure. Over time, I realized that failure is just part of entrepreneurship — it doesn’t define my abilities. I learned to accept that things might not work out immediately, and that’s okay. What matters is consistency. If you keep going, learning, and adapting, things happen.”
— Teodora Grigorova, CEO & Co-Founder (The Good Club)
“One of the challenges I faced as a woman was integrating into male-dominated professional environments, particularly in leadership or tech roles. To overcome this, I emphasized continuous learning and strategically transitioned between different sectors, which allowed me to gain diverse perspectives. This approach helped me build resilience and adaptability in high-pressure environments. Furthermore, I have always prioritized empowering those around me, as I firmly believe that success is deeply connected to fostering growth and creating a positive impact on others through innovation and authentic leadership.”
— Stefania Malfatti, CEO & Co-Founder (BEHAVIX)
“Persistent stereotypes and the challenge of balancing personal and professional life continue to create barriers for women. Leadership roles remain male-dominated. I would love to see young women break free from these constraints, confidently pursuing careers and leadership positions. More women in decision-making roles would definitely bring fresh, diverse viewpoints to important discussions.”
— Eleni Stamataki, Senior Researcher and Administrative Assistant (Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania)
“Unfortunately, like in most scientific fields, women are also underrepresented in the area of food and gastronomy research. Seeing many female role models in this field would be a great success. The culinary knowledge, which is directly related to the fields of food and nutrition, has been created throughout history, largely thanks to the female figure.”
— Fabiola Juárez, Food Research Project Leader (Alícia Foundation)
Advice to women and girls
“Tech can feel intimidating, especially in male-dominated environments, but your knowledge and skills are just as valuable. Don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back — trust your abilities and keep learning. Connect with other women in tech through mentorship programs, LinkedIn groups, and local meetups. A strong support system can help you navigate challenges and grow professionally. Choose workplaces that actively support gender inclusion through equal opportunities, mentorship programs, and work-life balance policies. Apply for roles even if you don’t meet 100% of the job requirements. Many men apply with only 60% of the skills listed — so go for it! You’ll learn on the job.”
— Fadwa Rekik, R&D engineer (Softeam)
“Negotiate a good salary, establish a fair and balanced childcare arrangement with your partner, apply for leadership positions, and build strong networks.”
— Ilse Marschalek, Researcher and Project Manager (Centre for Social Innovation)
“My advice to any young girl in any field of science is to stay curious and persistent. To me, science is all about exploration and problem-solving, so don’t be afraid to ask questions, experiment, and learn from failure. Remember to believe in your abilities and not let self-doubt hold you back. Most importantly, enjoy the journey, celebrate your achievements and never stop trying to make a difference with your work.”
— Sara Seweryn, DRG4FOOD
“Maria Hristova from Agriventures has been a great inspiration. She taught me that people are willing to help if you ask. If they see you are committed, open to learning, and act on their advice, they will invest their time in you. Entrepreneurship is a continuous learning process—success comes from listening, adapting, and applying what you learn.”
— Teodora Grigorova, CEO & Co-Founder (The Good Club)
“What truly transformed my perspective and career was my participation in The Break Fellowship. This program, supported by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), connects women entrepreneurs across the EU to foster innovation and collaboration while addressing local challenges in Spain. Through this experience, I not only gained invaluable insights into entrepreneurship and social innovation but also built a strong network of like-minded women who continue to inspire and support me.”
— Stefania Malfatti, CEO & Co-Founder (BEHAVIX)
A call to action
Together, we can build a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality.
📢 Join us in celebrating #WomenInFOODITY and taking action for gender equality.
💬 Share your story, resources, or insights to advocate for policies and practices that support women.
🔍 Follow our campaign as we spotlight remarkable women shaping STEM, food & nutrition innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Thank you to all the extraordinary women who participated in this campaign. Your voices are vital in driving progress and inspiring change. Together, we are stronger.
For more updates and insights on the FOODITY community, visit our website, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.