International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women across all sectors while acknowledging the barriers that remain. At Pharmalys, we recognise that investing in women is not only a matter of equality but also a fundamental driver of progress. Our commitment to empowering women is reflected in our initiatives across mentorship, career development, and healthcare access.
Supporting the Next Generation of Female Scientists
Pharmalys is dedicated to fostering the growth of women in science. Our CEO, Marieme Ba, has been an active mentor for several years through Shine to Lead, a non-profit initiative supporting young women from modest backgrounds in Senegal. Through this programme, Marieme guides high school girls aspiring to careers in science, providing them with the support, encouragement, and resources they need to navigate their educational and professional journeys. As reported by UNICEF, worldwide, 119 million girls are out of school, and Shine to Lead works to address this by offering scholarships, mentorship, and leadership development to ensure these young women have the tools and confidence to succeed academically and beyond. This approach is grounded in a simple yet powerful principle:
Investing in women’s education contributes to broader societal transformation.
At Pharmalys, we share this vision. By mentoring future female scientists, we are building a more inclusive research landscape – one where women have the support, resources, and opportunities to excel.
Expanding Career Opportunities in Clinical Research and Beyond
A strong, diverse workforce is essential for Africa’s growing role in global clinical research. To bridge the gap between education and industry, we launched the Pharmalys Academy of Clinical research Excellence (PACE), a professional training programme designed to equip young professionals with the skills needed to enter the field. The programme’s first cohort has already made a significant impact, with several graduates securing full-time positions at Pharmalys. Notably, half of these graduates were women, reflecting our commitment to gender balance in clinical research.
Our collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation further strengthens this commitment. Through targeted training, mentorship, and employment opportunities, we are helping young women and men build successful careers in clinical research while contributing to broader economic empowerment.
Improving Healthcare Access for Women
Pharmalys is committed to expanding healthcare access for underserved communities, ensuring that both women and men receive essential medical services. We recognise that women often face additional barriers to healthcare, particularly in non-urban areas. Women in the African region are disproportionately affected by communicable diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, as well as maternal and perinatal conditions and nutritional deficiencies. Globally, an estimated 30% of women aged 15–49 are anaemic, with the highest rates – 48-57% – found in Africa, largely due to iron deficiency. To help address these disparities, Pharmalys actively supports free medical diagnostic and consultation campaigns, ensuring that women in remote regions receive the care they need.
At Pharmalys, we believe that when women succeed, communities flourish. We remain steadfast in championing gender equality and ensuring that women have the resources, support, and recognition they deserve. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we also recognise the contributions of all our staff in fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace.
Sources:
https://www.unicef.org/education/girls-education
https://www.afro.who.int/health-topics/womens-health
