Women in leadership are no longer just participants in the pharmaceutical industry; they are its heartbeat. This sector, which shapes global health, demands leaders who not only innovate but also empathise, who listen deeply to diverse perspectives, and who create solutions that resonate with all patient needs. Women bring not just skills but a mindset of care and inclusion that transforms how we lead and what we achieve.

For decades, the pharmaceutical industry has been predominantly male-led, but this is changing and fast. Today, more women than ever are entering the pharma workforce, making up over half of new entrants. However, the journey to leadership remains a struggle.

Beyond gender parity, it’s about creating an industry where every voice matters, innovation thrives because of diverse perspectives, and every patient (regardless of gender, age, or geography) benefits from those perspectives.

The leadership gap: Where we stand today

The leadership gap in pharma is something we can’t ignore, and it’s something I’ve personally had to navigate. While women make up over 50% of new entrants into the global workforce, they still hold only 25% of senior positions and just 5% of leadership roles.

In India, the numbers are similar. Women hold only 18% of leadership positions in healthcare, and the gender pay gap remains significant, with women earning 34% less than their male counterparts.

In my early career, I felt this gap acutely. I often found myself questioning whether I could balance my personal and professional aspirations. But I quickly realised that these challenges don’t define us. They make us stronger and more determined to succeed, not just for ourselves but for those who come after us.

Why women’s leadership matters in pharma

Women’s leadership in pharma goes far beyond equity. It’s about the transformative impact we can have on the industry. Women bring unique experiences and perspectives that are critical for driving the industry forward:

• Innovation catalyst: Women are often the ones who advocate for the overlooked areas, like women’s health. Without women in leadership, the industry will never fully address the health challenges that disproportionately affect us.
• Enhanced decision-making: Diverse teams make better decisions. In an industry where precision is key, diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes, especially when it comes to finding solutions for complex health issues.
• Global perspective: Women represent half the world’s population and make up the majority of healthcare decisions for families. Women leaders bring this unique insight into family and community health.

Transforming barriers into bridges

To address the leadership gap, we must go beyond talk. We need to take action. I believe that change starts at the top, but it must be lived at every level of the organisation. It’s about creating a culture where women can rise, take risks, and succeed.

The business imperative

Diversity in leadership is not just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for business success. According to PwC, the pharmaceutical sector has underperformed compared to other industries, delivering just 7.6% returns to shareholders from 2018 to November 2024. This gap highlights a crucial reality: pharma needs fresh leadership to stay competitive.

The industry is facing five transformative trends: AI, biological breakthroughs, price pressures, consumer empowerment, and global volatility. To remain competitive, we need diverse leadership at every level, leaders who are not afraid to disrupt, innovate, and embrace change.

The path forward

As India positions itself as a global leader in pharma, women’s leadership will be critical in navigating the future of healthcare. The focus is shifting toward prevention, personalisation, prediction, and point-of-care delivery. These transitions demand leaders who are not only innovative but also empathetic and grounded in their communities.

For women aspiring to leadership in pharma, my advice is clear: be visible, build networks, seek mentorship, and develop resilience. But organisations must also do their part. It’s not enough to simply hire women, they must create cultures that empower women to lead.

The future of pharmaceutical leadership is about creating environments where every perspective is valued and everyone has the opportunity to lead. As more women rise through the ranks, the pharmaceutical industry will not only become more equitable but it will also become more effective at fulfilling its core mission of improving human health.

Priyanka Chigurupati is the Executive Director at Granules India Limited