SEHAR SHAHID, SUSAN AND JANICE OMAN AT THE WESTMINSTER WOMEN IN PHARMACY RECEPTION IN JUNE
Aysha Ahmed is a pharmacist based in Scotland and a member of the Female Pharmacy Leaders Network. The UK-wide professional network supports, connects and champions women working in pharmacy leadership through networking, mentoring and career development opportunities.
Aysha said she believed when it came to women in pharmacy leadership there had been progress but there was still more to do.
“We definitely have seen more women in visible leadership roles and positions and there are certainly more conversations now. There has been a positive shift but there is a lot more work to do, however we are moving in the right direction,” she said.
“Women don’t often see themselves as leaders unless they have a formal managerial title. I certainly didn’t. But leadership isn’t about a title. You can lead in different ways whether that is supporting colleagues, improving services, making clinical decisions, advocating for patients or mentoring others. Leadership is about influence rather than a position. Every pharmacist is leading every day. I don’t think leadership needs to be hierarchical, it is about being collaborative and championing others. You can make a positive difference wherever you are.”
Learning From Others
She said she had come to this realisation after joining the Female Pharmacy Leaders Network which she came across after being introduced to its founder, Komal George.
“What attracted me to the network was the opportunity to learn from other women and support one another. I have been a pharmacist for 18 years and wish I had joined earlier in my career. I have met women from all different corners of pharmacy doing all different kinds of things and overcoming various challenges. That is so inspiring and valuable. There is no single definition of success,” she explained.
Aysha said being a member of the network had helped her personally in a number of ways.
“The biggest shift was recognising I have been demonstrating leadership skills for some time and it is not something defined by my job title. It is the impact we have on the people around us and becoming more intentional with your own development. I am working on recognising my own leadership skills and having the confidence to step forward more even if I don’t feel ready. Growth is never comfortable. The best growth happens when we feel uncomfortable because that is what challenges us.”
Barriers Still Exist
She went on to say that there were barriers preventing more women from putting themselves forward. “Confidence is a massive one and access to mentors. It is important to have visible role models. Women often underestimate their experience and we often compare ourselves to others who may be further along their journey. The network changed that for me. It is about believing in your own potential. We are clinically trained and we continue to work on that skill. We need to approach leadership the same way. For some people it comes naturally and others need to build on it.
“I think a lot of women wait until they are completely ready to tick every box when they don’t need to. This is why visibility, mentoring and support through organisations like the Female Pharmacy Leaders Network is so important. It provides the opportunity to see how women are leading in different ways.
“It is a really safe, welcoming and non judgemental space. It is incredible to learn about the challenges members have overcome and everything they have achieved. It has really resonated with me. It is about culture and not competition and women championing one another. Everyone in the network wants everyone else to succeed. There is a sense of belonging.”
She said she would encourage early career pharmacists interested in leadership positions to not waste time waiting around until they felt ready.
“Find networks and join them as early as possible as well as creating your own networks. When people feel supported they are much more likely to step forward. Realise your own strengths early on. Leadership is built through everyday experiences and observations,” she said.
Supporting Women’s Progress
Aysha said it was important for senior leaders and employers to play a role in supporting women to progress in pharmacy.
“I am still on my own leadership journey but I would love to see more structured leadership development and more opportunities to connect with other counterparts in Scotland and England.
“I also think we need to create an environment where there is the opportunity to thrive. If you see someone with potential then put them on the pathway early - don’t just wait for them to be ready. Coach them and support them. Recognise people’s leadership qualities and have growth opportunities available for them. I did not appreciate my own leadership qualities until I became part of a wider group.”
"...when it came to women in pharmacy leadership there had been progress but there was still more to do."
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