International Womens Day: Women leaders in pharma are defying stereotypes to make room for more women in leadership positions, Health News, ET HealthWorld
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By
Anjula Masurkar
Women leaders in the pharmaceutical industry are increasingly making a name for themselves by breaking down barriers and defying stereotypes that have traditionally held them back from leadership positions.
For decades, the pharmaceutical industry has been dominated by men. Women were often relegated to supporting roles or positions in research and development, with very few women rising to the top leadership positions. However, in recent years, a number of women have begun to shatter the glass ceiling and rise to the top of this traditionally male-dominated field.
One of the reasons for this shift is the fact that the industry itself is changing. As new drugs and treatments are developed, the focus is increasingly shifting toward personalised medicine and innovative therapies. This requires a very different skill set than the traditional approach to drug development, and many women are finding that their unique perspectives and experiences are highly valued in this new landscape.
Another reason why women are increasingly rising to leadership positions in the pharmaceutical industry is that they are being acknowledged and given the opportunity thereby taking on more responsibility. Women are often required to work twice as hard as their male counterparts in order to be taken seriously and to earn promotions. This means putting in long hours, taking on extra projects and constantly learning new skills.
Despite these challenges, women leaders are having a significant impact on the industry as a whole. They are bringing new ideas and perspectives to the table, pushing for greater diversity and inclusion and helping to create a more supportive and equitable workplace for all employees.
For example, women leaders are more likely to advocate for flexible work arrangements and family-friendly policies and male-counterpart support that helps to have a better work-life balance. They are also more likely to emphasise diversity and inclusion initiatives, recognising the value that a diverse workforce can bring to the industry.
In addition to the positive impact that women leaders are having on the industry, their success is also serving as an inspiration to other women who aspire to leadership roles in the field. When women see other women breaking down barriers and succeeding in leadership positions, it gives them the confidence to pursue their own ambitions and to believe that anything is possible.
Regardless of the progress that has been made, there is still much work to be done in order to make room for more women in top-level roles in the pharmaceutical industry. Women continue to face significant challenges when it comes to advancing their careers and breaking through the glass ceiling. For example, women are often overlooked for promotion or advancement opportunities and they may not have access to the same networks and connections that their male counterparts do.
To overcome these challenges and continue making progress toward greater gender equality in the pharmaceutical industry, it is important for companies to promote diversity and inclusion initiatives. This includes actively seeking out and promoting women into leadership roles, as well as providing support and resources to help women succeed in their careers.
Ultimately, the success of women leaders in the pharmaceutical industry is a testament to their talent, hard work and determination. By defying stereotypes and breaking down barriers, they are paving the way for a more diverse and equitable industry, one in which women can succeed and thrive at all levels. With continued effort and dedication, we can make room for even more talented women in leadership positions in the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring that their contributions and perspectives are fully recognised and valued.
Anjula Masurkar, Clinical Director,
Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 9:31 am