QUEENSLAND-BASED pharmacist, Bianca Piljic, is set to become the first pharmacist representative to serve on the Professional Australia (PA) National Board - formerly APESMA - which includes the Professional Pharmacists Australia union group.
PA CEO, Jill McCabe, said Piljic's election to the Board, as one of three Vice Presidents, would ensure the voices of pharmacy members are carried to the very top of the organisation, and strengthen its STEM representation.
"Bianca comes from a community pharmacy background and has a good understanding of the challenges and experiences of pharmacy professionals who've been working on the frontline in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic," McCabe said.
"I'm pleased that our National Board now greatly reflects the increasing number of women involved in these specialties and currently enrolled in STEM courses at university.
"Workers in the pharmacy profession also make up an important component of our membership and Ms Piljic's election represents our union's changing demographics.
"In the pharmacy sector as women represent 62% of pharmacists, but only 34% hold senior positions, that's why senior female leadership in our union is critically important.
"While gender balance in pharmacy organisations has improved over the last 21 years, with women holding just 24% of president/chair positions over the time period, we clearly have a very long way to go."
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 28 Jan 21
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