Nearly 60 percent of all practicing pharmacists are women, according to the 2014 National Pharmacist Workforce Survey, yet women do not reach senior leadership positions in proportion to the profession's demographics. "This calls for a candid and thorough assessment of the diverse needs and opportunities for the development of women in the workforce," said Sara J. White, M.S., FASHP, a past president of ASHP and chair of the Steering Committee tasked with investigating this issue.
Lead by White, ASHP has convened a group of thought leaders to explore the unique barriers, challenges, and issues facing women in the workforce. The Women in Pharmacy Leadership Steering Committee, which held its first meeting on September 21, 2015, at ASHP headquarters in Bethesda, Md., will advise the Society as it seeks to support women in achieving pharmacy leadership skills and roles at every level and practice position.
"Gender shifts and generational changes have the potential to positively impact the profession," says White, describing, "an ongoing need to cultivate a new generation of leaders at every level — clinical, administrative, academic pharmacy, and more."
"ASHP is very pleased to be taking a lead role in addressing this important issue in healthcare and society at large," said ASHP CEO Paul W. Abramowitz, Pharm.D., Sc.D. (Hon.), FASHP. "We are confident that the expertise and insights of the exceptional individuals on the Women in Pharmacy Steering Committee, along with feedback from all ASHP members, will result in a series of actionable recommendations ASHP can take to help influence and make positive changes that will ultimately improve patient care and advance pharmacy practice."
The Steering Committee will seek input to inform its deliberations and recommendations from all ASHP members over the next 12 months.
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