International Women’s Day Spotlight
average diversity in leadership teams generated 19% higher innovation revenue. “We must treat diversity as we do any other business priority, with clear goals and measurable metrics. As a leader, I strive to ensure that women - current and future - have multiple seats at the table, particularly in areas like product development and research,” she continues. She believes that women’s health research
is one area that demands urgent attention. Historically overlooked, it has led to significant gaps in knowledge and treatment, affecting not only women but also public health systems.
Why does women’s health research matter? “Women’s health research is essential for addressing unique challenges and improving outcomes. Neglecting gender- specific studies has resulted in inadequate treatments and limited understanding of conditions like menopause, cardiovascular disease, and dementia. This oversight has serious consequences, impacting clinical interpretations, healthcare policies, and women’s overall well-being,” Stephanie adds. She points out that researchers, such as Dr.
Samantha Meltzer-Brody and Dr. Joann Manson, have been instrumental in advancing this field, yet much work remains. The World Health Organization emphasises the importance of integrating gender-sensitive health policies into broader healthcare initiatives, highlighting the need for equitable research representation. “Even today, women’s health research
is often treated as a niche issue. However, gender inequity in research affects everyone. Addressing this imbalance will not only improve healthcare for women but also strengthen public health systems and promote holistic care. “As we move forward, prioritising and investing in women’s health research is critical to building a more equitable healthcare system. By doing so, we can ensure all people receive the care they deserve while advancing the transformative potential of HealthTech,” she concludes.
Natasha Rees, known as Tash, works at Baxter, a global medical device and pharmaceutical company committed to saving and sustaining lives. Baxter has a longstanding presence in the UK as one of
the NHS’s largest suppliers, offering over 7,500 products and services that support care across hospitals, clinics, and homes. Natasha transitioned from a scientific research
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background to the HealthTech industry in 2006, driven by a passion for healthcare innovation. Over her career, she has held leadership roles in sales, clinical education, marketing, and business development. Today, she leads the UK, Ireland, and Nordic Infusion Therapies & Technologies portfolio at Baxter, which includes IV Therapies, Clinical Nutrition, and Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy. She also acts as UK and Ireland Country Lead and joined the ABHI board in 2023. “My vision for the HealthTech sector is
to create an equitable environment where everyone is supported to drive purposeful innovation and improve patient care. Throughout my career, I have worked with incredible women and sponsors who have broken down barriers to success and created opportunities for growth. I believe in fostering spaces where men and women can challenge constructively, take action, and strive for better outcomes for all patients,” Tash comments. “Diversity is critical in the HealthTech industry.
To truly meet the needs of patients, we must reflect the diversity of the people we serve. Women, in particular, bring unique perspectives that can address longstanding gaps in healthcare. For example, women face higher risks of medical errors, adverse drug reactions, and misdiagnoses, partly because medical research has historically focused on male subjects,” she continues. Tash believes that outcomes can be improved
by incorporating female voices across the entire value chain - from funding early-stage development to delivering patient-centred services. Health inequalities are costly, both for individuals and the wider system. She says that initiatives such as the NHS’s Core20PLUS5, which targets improvement in clinical areas like maternity care, are great examples of how we can collaborate to close these gaps.
How can we encourage the next generation of women in HealthTech? To attract and retain women in our industry, Tash believes we need to focus on three areas: l Amplify Women’s Voices: Role models and mentors are essential. By celebrating women’s achievements and providing networking and sponsorship opportunities, we can build confidence and inspire the next generation of leaders.
l Address Biases: We must challenge stereotypes, eliminate structural biases, and fund more female-led startups. Research shows female-founded companies receive significantly less funding than their male counterparts. This disparity must change. l Support Career Longevity: Flexibility is key
to retaining women in the workforce. Many women leave the industry because they can’t balance work and home responsibilities. By offering support, we can ensure talented individuals stay and thrive in the sector.
“Healthcare offers purposeful careers, and by working together, we can create an inclusive and innovative HealthTech industry that drives better outcomes for all. Let’s #AccelerateAction for women in HealthTech,” Tash concludes.
P3 Medical, headquartered in Bristol, is a UK- based medical device company specialising in the design, manufacture, and marketing of single-use medical devices. With four modern cleanrooms, the company collaborates with clinicians and universities to develop innovative solutions that enhance hospital efficiency, improve patient care, and ensure safety in operating theatres. Two rising leaders at P3, Nathalie Farhoudi
and Alisa Bujanauske, share their journeys. Nathalie, who holds a Medical Engineering degree from Swansea University and an MSc in Biomedical Engineering from Imperial College London, began her career as a Product Development Engineer before joining P3 in 2023. She is expanding her expertise in plastics and in-house manufacturing while focusing on professional growth. Alisa, originally from Lithuania, started at P3 as a Cleanroom Operator 13 years ago. After completing an apprenticeship, she transitioned into quality and regulatory affairs, advancing to her current role as Quality and Regulatory Manager, where she ensures compliance and safety across operations. “My leadership vision is rooted in sustainability and ethical responsibility. By adopting eco-friendly manufacturing practices and integrating renewable resources into product development, we can create transformative solutions that advance healthcare while contributing to a healthier planet. Sustainability and ethics must guide every decision we make,” comments Nathalie.
Alisa adds that the focus must “always
remain on developing technologies that deliver meaningful improvements for patients and healthcare providers”. Her leadership vision, she
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