The Female Perspective: Let’s Put Women at the Heart of Ireland’s Biopharma Boom
25th November 2024
Ireland’s biopharma industry is poised for a boom, and we have a great opportunity to put women at the heart of it. A career in this patient-focused industry is highly rewarding. You contribute to a mission that changes and potentially even saves lives – from shaping drug development to making sure the right people can access innovative therapies.
Not only can women benefit tremendously from building a career in the field, but this is a sector where having a diverse workforce at every level is vital to ensure we provide an equitable healthcare environment that works for everyone.
Over the past decade, we’ve seen increased representation of women in biopharma, not only opening up significant opportunities to advance in STEM careers but also to pave the way for the next generation of women.
Given the number of talented women in the industry, you might assume there are few obstacles. However, in Ireland, women from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds often don’t have access to the same opportunities in STEM and lack role models to encourage them to pursue a career in the field.
Career progression hurdles still exist, such as pay gaps, unconscious bias, micro-aggressions, or challenges in balancing work and caregiving.
To empower the next generation to reach their potential, we need to support women in new ways and become more attuned to external pressures affecting this generation.
As VP of HR at a global biopharmaceutical company, PTC Therapeutics, I have made it my personal mission to break barriers for girls and women to pursue a career in biopharma and inspire and support the next generation of women. Here I share my approaches and learnings.
Inspire the Next Generation
When young girls see women leaders in STEM fields, it inspires them to pursue similar paths. It shows them that, they too can reach positions of influence and success. As the saying goes, “If she can’t see it, she can’t be it.”
It’s a message that resonates deeply with me, as I know first-hand the importance of visibility and representation in encouraging the next generation to succeed. I believe in women embracing their true selves, recognising the power of their voice, and using it to shape their futures.
This is why it’s so important to proactively seek opportunities to support girls and women, particularly from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds. Recently I completed my training with the STEM Passport for Inclusion project (STEMP.inc), and I’m thrilled to be part of an initiative that aims to provide 5,000 girls with meaningful relationships with women working in STEM by 2025.
The goal {of STEMP.inc} is to bolster their confidence and capabilities, creating a pathway for them to participate in higher education STEM courses and ultimately enter STEM careers.
Provide Powerful Female Role Models
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege to work with many amazing and talented female colleagues around the globe. Their commitment, passion and perseverance continue to inspire and shape the course of my journey. They lead by example, spotlighting younger women and are generous with their time and advice. Working with our current Chief Human Resource Officer at PTC has transformed the way I see myself. She made me appreciate the importance of being truly seen and understood, the need for someone in your corner, who opens your eyes to your potential and helps you see what others see.
I am now comfortable in being my authentic self. The power that comes from this and from knowing that you have it all within you already is amazing.
As a female leader, I am passionate about paying it forward through mentoring women. PTC has developed an in-house Center of Excellence for Coaching and Mentoring. Our focus on strength-based development runs through all our leadership development programs. It’s not just about fostering technical skills focused on the job, but empowering women to embrace their strengths, navigate challenges, and pursue leadership roles with confidence. This is invaluable, as it will open future possibilities around who you are, not just what you can do.
Build a Community for Women in Leadership
One of the most significant challenges women face in biopharma is underrepresentation in leadership roles, making it harder for them to envision themselves in those positions.
Creating intentional spaces for women to connect, share experiences and support one another is essential.
In 2021, I established PTC’s first Global Employee Resource Group (ERG) for Women, W+IN (Women’s Initiative Network). This ERG provides an inclusive platform for women to come together and have open discussions about the unique challenges they face in the workplace, share tools and resources, and develop leadership skills. The goal is to create an intentional space to help women build their confidence and empower one another.
Importantly, it {W+IN – Women’s Initiative Network} also helps our male colleagues become better allies by promoting understanding and equipping them to support women more effectively in the workplace.
A specific pillar on STEM within the W+IN network connects with local schools in the US & Ireland, to guide younger girls and women to understand the options available in biopharma; not just in the sciences but also in cross-functional teams within the industry – each has the opportunity to make a tremendous impact on patients and their families.
Empower Women to Speak Up and Advocate for Change
When I started my career, I believed that hard work was enough to be noticed and get ahead. I’ve since learned to speak up and advocate for myself, my values and my team.
It’s important to encourage women to have courageous conversations about the unique challenges they face in the workforce.
The strongest woman I have ever known is my own mother. She has shown me that your voice is powerful and that you should not shrink back to make others comfortable.
You get one life to make a difference, to make memories and to enjoy the journey.
Shaping the Future of Biopharma
The biopharma industry offers women a chance to build meaningful and rewarding careers. Mentorship, community, and the courage to advocate for oneself are critical to overcoming barriers and fostering the next generation of female leaders.
As someone whose career has been shaped by strong female mentors, I am committed to helping the next generation of women in biopharma and STEM.
About the Author: Patrice Thornton is Vice President Human Resources at PTC Therapeutics, based in Dublin. PTC Therapeutics is a global biopharmaceutical company with its international HQ and key global functions based here in Ireland. It has a track record of developing first-of-a-kind, transformative therapies for rare diseases.
