As an animal breeding and genetics researcher, Debir Legesse Belay develops technologies and breeding practices to support households and ensure food security in rural areas. Since 2009, she has served at the Southern Agricultural Research Institute, a government research center in the Southern Regional State of Ethiopia. Her experience includes community-based breeding, where she focuses on implementing participatory and easy-to-use techniques for farmers. As an AWARD Policy Fellow, Debir aims to acquire knowledge and skills that will allow her to identify and address the factors that limit women’s decision-making in farming and livestock activities.