THOUGH women make up 60% of pharmacy graduates and pharmacists, they hold only 34% of leadership and ownership roles, according to Andria Aird, a community pharmacist, pharmacy owner, and Board Director of Blooms The Chemist.
"When we go through uni, we are taught pharmacy, but not how to run a business," Aird told Pharmacy Daily.
"There is still some misogyny in the high ranks of big business and senior government levels."
Even with changes underway, Aird noted, "I still feel as a woman I have to be tougher, stronger, and more outspoken than you would otherwise be".
"To move forward it's crucial to educate yourself on business management, find a reliable business partner, and seek advice from experts."
Aird acknowledged that Blooms The Chemist is a "female-friendly group" with women in leadership roles across legal, marketing, and strategic departments.
"I really feel heard in this Blooms group, whereas in my earlier career, I struggled to be heard," she said.
Aird aims to foster a caring culture for the future generation.
"I would like our young female pharmacists and students to know they are heard.
"I want to lay a foundation for my daughter and future generations, ensuring women know their potential is limitless."
She said the group supports aspiring female pharmacists with financial modelling and resources to help them become owners.
As an accessible and predominantly female frontline workforce, Aird emphasised the importance of understanding women's health issues holistically.
"We relate to so many women by staying up-to-date with the latest health information."
Aird said with many women, both as part of the group's staff and customers, facing chronic pain issues such as endometriosis, "listen to them, so they are heard and ask them to seek help".
To other pharmacy owners, she advised, "keep communication wide open to help your customers".
She also suggested outsourcing administrative tasks like payroll and marketing to support teams to minimise office time.
"That's the advantage of being part of a banner group like Blooms," Aird commented.
She encouraged pharmacies to use consulting rooms for private conversations, freeing pharmacists from the dispensary. JG
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