Research Proposal Empowering Leadership Women in Pakistan’s Pharma Industry

A research-driven initiative spotlighting gender dynamics, leadership gaps, and actionable strategies to elevate women into senior roles within Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector.

Women Working on a project

Project Overview

This research project focused on the role of women in senior-level positions within Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry. It aimed to uncover current trends, challenges, and gaps in gender diversity, particularly in leadership roles. By conducting qualitative and quantitative analysis, the study highlighted the systemic issues contributing to underrepresentation and offered insights for improving inclusivity and equity.

The Challenge

Despite the growing number of women entering the pharmaceutical workforce, their representation at senior and decision-making levels remains disproportionately low. Cultural biases, lack of mentorship, and institutional barriers hinder their career progression. Moreover, there was limited data on leadership dynamics specific to the pharma sector in Pakistan, making it difficult to assess or address the issue effectively.

  • Underrepresentation of women in executive and decision-making roles
  • Cultural and societal norms limiting women’s access to leadership opportunities
  • Lack of mentorship and role models for aspiring female leaders in the pharma sector
  • Limited flexible work policies and work-life balance support for women in high-level ro
  • Scarcity of industry-specific data on gender equity, making it difficult to track progress or gaps

Our Solution

The project adopted a comprehensive research approach—including interviews with industry professionals, analysis of workforce data, and review of organizational policies. It explored the career journeys of female leaders, identified recurring patterns in workplace challenges, and evaluated corporate strategies aimed at gender inclusivity. The study culminated in policy recommendations tailored to the Pakistani pharma landscape.

The Results

  • Provided a clear picture of gender disparity in pharma leadership roles

  • Identified key barriers affecting women’s career advancement

  • Proposed practical recommendations for HR and policy reforms

  • Helped initiate dialogue around inclusive leadership strategies within industry circles

  • Contributed to ongoing efforts in gender equity research and advocacy