The Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) recently hosted its inaugural Leadership Summit to address the critical need for gender equity in healthcare leadership across India. The event brought together industry leaders and top healthcare service providers, including Novartis, Lilly, GSK, and Pfizer, to discuss the pressing need for more women in leadership roles within the healthcare sector.
As India’s healthcare workforce continues to expand, the HBA recognizes the country’s pivotal role in advancing gender equity on a global scale. Over the past three years, the HBA India community has grown from just 15 members to over 450, demonstrating a strong commitment to fostering female leadership in the industry.
The summit also addressed key issues such as equal compensation, women’s health and wellness, and fair opportunities for leadership roles. HBA emphasized that achieving gender equality in leadership requires active allyship from men, particularly in male-dominated sectors. Encouraging men to support women in their professional journeys was highlighted as an essential step toward creating a more inclusive industry.
Speaking on the occasion, HBA Global CEO Mary Stutts stated, “India’s global importance means that the impact we achieve here will resonate worldwide. The HBA is dedicated to recognizing the contributions of Indian women and unlocking their leadership potential to shape the future of healthcare.”
Adding to this, Dr. Deepa Desai, HBA India Head, expressed her pride in leading an organization that empowers women while calling on male allies to support this mission. She noted, “Our strategy is to equip women and their supporters with the knowledge, confidence, and networks needed to drive meaningful change in the healthcare industry.”
This landmark summit underscored the significance of gender diversity in leadership roles and set the stage for continued efforts to support and uplift women in healthcare. As the HBA continues to expand its reach in India, it remains steadfast in its mission to create a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse healthcare landscape.