The Evolution of Equality: The Rise of Women in the Pharmaceutical Industry

In a previous previous blog, we looked into the vital topic of diversity in clinical trials, highlighting its significance in ensuring thorough healthcare research. Today, we shift our focus to another essential aspect of the pharmaceutical landscape: women in pharma.

A brief historical snapshot:

Women, initially involved in compounding and preparing medications in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, have significantly advanced in the pharmaceutical industry. The labour shortages during the World Wars were a turning point, with women stepping into more substantial roles. Post-war educational advancements encouraged women into science, boosting their numbers in pharmaceutical fields, initially in lower-level positions.

The late 20th century saw a surge in women pharmacists and researchers, ending in a breakthrough into leadership roles by the 21st century. Nobel Prize-winning biochemist Gertrude B. Elion and others like her demonstrate the remarkable impact women have made in this field.

Societal movements for gender equality have driven changes in workplace culture and policy, enhancing women’s involvement and recognition. This historical journey, featuring growing female enrolment in STEM (science, technology, engineering & mathematics) education, has prepared the ground for a more inclusive and diverse pharmaceutical industry, recognizing past challenges while forging a path for women’s future aspirations and incredible achievements in this sector.

Growing female enrolment in STEM:

The increasing number of women in STEM holds particular significance for the pharmaceutical industry, which depends heavily on these disciplines. With more women earning STEM qualifications, the potential for female candidates in pharmaceutical research, development, and management roles grows.

This increase goes well beyond simply boosting statistics; it brings varied viewpoints and novel strategies to the table, improving the problem-solving toolkit and driving creative advances within the industry.

Bringing in different ideas and experiences helps make the workplace more welcoming and forces the pharmaceutical industry to come up with better and more representative solutions to health challenges.

The gender gap in STEM and media representation:

Gender stereotypes and biases are deterring girls and women from science careers. The 'Gender Bias Without Borders' study in the US film industry shows this clearly. Less than one-third of major movie speaking roles are for women, and onscreen, STEM roles are predominantly male, with men playing these roles seven times more than women.

Only 12% of characters with STEM jobs are women. This portrayal impacts real-life perceptions of gender roles. Women in STEM face unequal pay and limited career advancement, and these gender disparities limit economic and social progress.

Addressing the gender pay gap:

The pharmaceutical industry often leads in innovation and progress but displays a disparity in gender pay equality. Data from earlier this year shows a mean gender pay gap of 12% and a median gap of 13%, favouring men. These figures represent more than just statistics; they mirror the ongoing challenges women face in the sector, reminding us that despite significant industry progress, there is still a long way to go to achieve true compensation equity.

In an era where we should take equality as a given, these figures underscore the urgent need for unified efforts to bridge this gap.

This article underscores the continuous need for gender equality and diversity in the pharmaceutical industry. We call on all industry members to actively champion these values, achievable by endorsing mentorship programs for women, advocating for fair opportunity policies, and rooting out biases in recruitment and promotions. These actions will not only improve team dynamics but will also steer the industry towards a more equitable and innovative future. To eliminate this old fashioned bias, when a company hires an individual for a Pharma role based purely on their credentials and talent, their gender should not pose as a negative trait.

Celebrating the Women at Verbatim Pharma:

At Verbatim Pharma, we don’t just envision diversity and gender equality; we live it. We are proud of our predominantly women-led team, and our ownership reflects the strength and leadership of women in this industry.

With a strong, smart and successful woman leading us and a predominantly female workforce, we stand as a testament to the positive influence of gender diversity and inclusion in the business world.

Want to join our team at Verbatim Pharma? Click here to find out more.