| Working as a GP practice-based pharmacist as well as a part-time locum community pharmacist for over a decade, I have developed strong networks with many pharmacists through my role as a PDA Union Rep and a director of The Pharmacist Cooperative. I have come across many female pharmacists who have faced inequalities when applying for senior leadership roles within their workplace, despite their extensive experience, as well as significant pay gap differences for doing the same job as a male pharmacist.
As a male ally of NAWP, I wanted to amplify my voice to female pharmacists that are being underrepresented, to say that they are not alone, and to raise awareness within my networks and social media platforms to understand their struggles and hopefully lift others up by being their advocate.
I also attended a NAWP webinar about equal pay and how to overcome bias and take action. I’ve learnt that a female worker can choose a male comparator if she believes that she is carrying out equal work to a male worker, which is relevant and relatable in pharmacy.
Whenever I get called upon to do a pharmacy-related panel or webinar with multiple pharmacists, I now ensure that there is at least one female pharmacist alongside me, where available. I have done webinars with only male pharmacists before, which depends on the topic being discussed and their experience, expertise, and availability. However, recently I have accepted that as a male ally, I must consciously try to invite other female pharmacists to prevent ‘manels’, so that women can highlight their issues and have the opportunity to shine and grow, so that we can all learn together and unite the profession. |
