In the framework of the International Women's Day to be celebrated tomorrow, March 8, we want to give visibility to the female talent in the pharmaceutical industry and more specifically, to the female talent in the Spanish Association of Orphan and Ultra Orphan Drug Laboratories (AELMHU).
At the Association, we are firmly committed to female talent, which is reflected in the composition of our working groups. Currently, more than 65% of the members of our four working groups are women, and in three of them, the spokespersons are women. In addition, 100% of the technical team is made up of women, and the presidency is also held by a woman.
This data demonstrates our commitment to inclusion and the promotion of female participation, thus fostering a diverse and equitable work environment that promotes the talent and capabilities of all members. In this report, we share the voices and talents of three women who play key roles in AELMHU as coordinators of the Association's working groups: Mercè Obach, Public affairs at Sanofi, one of the coordinators of the Political Affairs & Legislative Agenda working group, Ángela González, Southern Cluster Corporate Affairs & Patient Partnership director at Kyowa Kirinand Cristina Hermida, Patient Advocacy Head in Takeda Spainboth spokespersons of the co-creation working group with Patient Associations [M-1].
The three of them offer us their perspectives and experiences on how to promote vocations in the world of healthcare, as well as the promotion of female talent, creating an inclusive work environment that is as equitable as possible.
The importance of fostering vocation
Mercè, first of all, highlights the importance of promoting an education based on equality from an early age. For her, it is essential to implement educational programs that encourage curiosity in scientific areas through activities and projects adapted to girls and young women. As well as vocational guidance programs that are personalized and address possible cultural barriers that may limit people's aspirations. In her opinion, these practices are essential to reduce the gender gap that exists at the professional level.
In this sense, and as one enters adulthood and, above all, professional age, the role of companies is very important. Corporate policies that include mentoring programs and alliances with educational institutions are becoming more and more popular, especially in the pharmaceutical sector, although it is extensive in more and more areas.
For her part, Ángela, from her experience, considers that promoting female representation in the pharmaceutical industry implies a cultural change that begins at the educational level, challenging stereotypes and promoting diversity. According to her, the presence of women in leadership positions in her company "has reached 69% in steering committees and 50% in management", which shows that opportunities for women in the pharmaceutical industry are increasing significantly.
Cristina also agrees with the message that the pharmaceutical sector is making significant progress towards gender equality by leaps and bounds, becoming an example in terms of female employability and leadership. However, she also points out that unconscious biases and prejudices can still limit women's professional growth, as the existence of glass ceilings remains a major challenge that can be worked on through education and awareness.
The importance of mentoring
Angela emphasizes the impact of mentoring on her career, mentioning how mentoring has been crucial to her professional development, "teaching me the importance of being authentic, of not being afraid to raise my voice and to always look for my place at the table, even if it wasn't always the biggest or the loudest" and learning to navigate a predominantly male environment. This is exactly why she was encouraged to take on the role of mentor for other women, proving that it is possible to move forward and be visible in a competitive industry.
In this sense, Cristina also emphasizes this collaboration, considering that women's networks are fundamental for women's development and leadership.
Mercè, for her part the importance of women's networks that, "provide a safe space to discuss and address unique challenges that women face in the industry, such as work-life balance or unconscious biases."
These communities offer a space to share experiences, strengthen soft skills and make female talent visible, which helps to break down structural barriers and promote cultural change towards gender equality.
Challenges in the sector
The three spokeswomen agree that women today have managed to break through in this sector and make a difference. For this reason, they stress the importance of continuing to advance in this direction, being firm in their ideals and helping to create spaces for other women.
Angela has experienced what she describes as "intense competition," feeling at times that she had to work twice as hard to earn the respect of her colleagues. However, she has learned not to take obstacles personally, focusing instead on her growth and supporting other women to follow their dreams in an environment that has traditionally been challenging for them. "It's important not only to show what we can do, but also to create a space for more women to feel supported and recognized for their work."
Cristina, on the other hand, although she stresses that the pharmaceutical industry is a benchmark in equal employment, recognizes that some women may still face external and internal barriers that hinder their professional development, which could lead to the perception of having to work harder to achieve a position or recognition. For this reason, she stresses that openness to share experiences and express challenges is, according to her, a "key tool to overcome these obstacles".
The future: what women are proposing
All three agree that inclusive and gender equality policies are fundamental for a more equitable future in almost all sectors. Ángela highlights that the Spanish pharmaceutical industry is one of the most advanced in terms of female representation, with more than 53% of women employed and 45% of women in management positions, which places the sector as a benchmark in terms of gender equality.
For her part, Mercè affirms that equality is not an exclusive cause of women, but a commitment of the whole society and that only through union and collaboration "we will be able to transform reality and build the future we want".
Therefore, to further promote inclusion, it is key to create spaces where women feel comfortable and safe to express their ideas, promote the visibility of women in leadership positions and offer work flexibility to help balance professional and personal life.
Cristina is along these lines and stresses that it is essential to foster an inclusive and collaborative work environment in which all voices are valued, and diversity is promoted as a source of creativity and success.
Finally, the three spokespersons agree on the importance of perseverance and confidence for young women wishing to enter the pharmaceutical industry. Mercè encourages young women to question the status quo, to follow their interests and not to conform to the status quo. Ángela, for her part, advises them to follow their vocation with determination, as their efforts will not only bring them closer to their personal goals, but will also break down barriers and challenge stereotypes along the way. Cristina also encourages the young women to align their personal and professional goals, and to keep constantly learning, making sure to create support and development networks.
The three remind us that, on this International Women's Day, it is vital to continue building an equal future where women can reach their full potential, both in the pharmaceutical industry and in any other professional field. The determination, talent and passion of women will continue to transform the industry and pave the way for generations to come.
In doing so, the voices of our three spokeswomen are a testament to how collaboration, mentorship and companies' commitment to inclusion are key to opening spaces for more women in science, health and leadership.
