Improving Equity for Women in Pharmacy Academia

Abstract

Previous studies have identified that gender inequities exist in pharmacy academia. The inequities that women in academic pharmacy face are lower job satisfaction, ability to achieve higher ranks in faculty and administration, and salary. To date, considerations of why these inequities exist and what measures can be taken to address them remain relatively unexplored. This commentary explores possible causes of gender inequities in pharmacy academia and potential solutions to improve equity between women and men. Potential causes discussed include underlying sexism still present in society and academia today, promotion and tenure and the tenure clock, the concept of overwork, and the role of motherhood on female faculty. Suggestions to help improve gender inequity include both structural and cultural changes to the pharmacy academic environment.