Analyzing the Barriers and Enablers for Women Reaching Top Executive Positions in the Pharmaceutical Sector

Research into the barriers and enablers for women's advancement in the pharmaceutical sector highlights several key factors. On the one hand, systemic issues such as gender bias, the glass ceiling, and the lack of adequate mentorship prevent many women from reaching executive roles. These barriers are often compounded by societal expectations, family responsibilities, and the rigid structures of work environments that disproportionately affect women. On the other hand, enabling factors like strong mentorship, diversity policies, leadership development programs, and workplace flexibility have proven to help women overcome these challenges and climb the corporate ladder. Companies that actively promote inclusive cultures and provide opportunities for women to develop leadership skills have seen greater success in gender diversity at the executive level.

Understanding the dynamics of women's leadership in pharmaceuticals is particularly relevant in regions like Lebanon, where cultural and social norms heavily influence gender roles. Although women in Lebanon are increasingly pursuing careers in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, few reach executive positions due to a combination of cultural expectations and structural limitations within companies. Analyzing the barriers and enablers for women's leadership in this context is crucial, as Lebanon's healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors play a vital role in the country's economy and well-being. Including women in leadership roles could enhance decision-making, foster innovation, and lead to more balanced workplace environments. Moreover, in a country with a history of political instability and economic challenges, addressing gender disparity in leadership becomes not just a matter of equality but one of economic necessity. Women bring diverse perspectives and leadership styles that can help companies navigate complex markets, drive performance, and foster sustainability. In the Lebanese pharmaceutical sector, where the demand for skilled professionals and innovative leadership is high, unlocking the potential of women in executive roles can lead to more resilient and adaptable organizations.

The study titled Women in Pharmaceutical Executive Roles: Analyzing the barriers and enablers for women reaching top executive positions in pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies; focuses on exploring the factors that either hinder or support women in attaining leadership positions in the pharmaceutical industry.

Overview:

Context: The pharmaceutical industry has a notable gender disparity in executive roles, despite significant female participation in the workforce. Women often face systemic barriers like gender bias, lack of mentorship, and societal expectations that limit their upward mobility.

Region of Focus: Lebanon, where cultural norms play a substantial role in shaping gender roles. Despite women being increasingly involved in healthcare, few reach executive positions due to these societal and structural barriers.

Objective: The study aims to identify these barriers and enablers to improve gender diversity in leadership, especially in Lebanon s pharmaceutical sector, which is crucial for its economy.

Methodology:

Population: The study targets pharmacists and pharmacy students working in pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies.

Exposure: It examines personal perceptions of workplace environments, especially in the context of Lebanon s post-pandemic and economic crisis.

Comparison and Data Collection: A questionnaire was designed to assess barriers and enablers using Likert scales across various sections:

General characteristics of participants Work-related characteristics Barriers faced by women in reaching executive roles Enablers for women's advancement Perceptions of women in the pharmaceutical sector Setting: The questionnaire is distributed online via platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn, aiming for 275 respondents. The data collection started in July 2024 and is ongoing.

Expected Outcomes:

Final theses for three MBA students at the Lebanese University, Faculty of Pharmacy.

A scientific publication in a peer-reviewed journal. A poster presentation at an international conference.

The study aims to highlight the importance of inclusive company cultures and leadership development programs that can pave the way for women to climb to executive positions in the pharmaceutical sector, ultimately fostering more innovative and adaptable organizations in Lebanon .

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pharmacists/Pharmacy Students
* Working in companies/Community pharmacies

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non-Lebanese
* Those unemployed or Free-lancer
* Those working for companies outside Lebanon