For International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating by sharing the thoughts, experiences and accomplishments of women throughout CSL.
Women make up 57 percent of CSL’s global workforce of over 27,000, making the biotechnology leader a proud career destination for women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields.
Why should girls and women pursue STEM careers? We asked two CSL scientists.
Marthe D'Ombrain, Senior Director & Head, Global Research Innovation:
As with all disciplines, the greatest successes come from diversity of thought and collaborative problem solving. Regardless of your gender, you should pursue a career in an area that excites you, that drives you to get out of bed every day, that inspires you to be the best you can be and hopefully leaves the world a better place. This is what a career in science has gifted me.
Pushpa Kotharu, Scientist, Plasma Product Development Technical Operations:
I believe it is vital for more women to pursue careers in STEM. The under-representation of women in STEM is concerning. The best and most innovative ideas require diverse thinking and I strongly believe that there should be an equal number of women and men at a table when decisions are made. Of course, gender is not the only measure of diversity though.
I personally grew up looking at women in my family doing well despite the challenges they had with the social/cultural expectations of what a woman should do, i.e. focus on looking after their family. I looked up to them and I give credit to them for being role models and support for my passion towards science. I especially thank my aunty who is a very passionate math teacher. I strongly believe that more women in STEM will inspire and attract more women in STEM by being role models and mentors. When girls grow up looking at women who go after their dreams, they tend to choose similar path to success with more confidence.
What’s the biggest challenge facing women in 2021? Hear an answer from Antje Michel, General Counsel, CSL Behring.
I’d say it’s confidence. What I’ve seen is that women frequently struggle to find confidence. Confidence in their own skills and confidence in their ability to have a meaningful and rewarding career. Often ordinary life choices, such as having a family can make women feel insecure, particularly in the workplace. Women often view their need to balance family and work priorities as a weakness. However, this is not the truth. Women need to overcome unhealthy self-consciousness, self-criticism and perfectionism. Women can balance work and family priorities and have exceptional careers. They should not be shy about showing and living this confidence, be self-assured and achieve their goals.
Michel is taking part in this year’s “Women Leading in Law” publication from global law firm, Baker McKenzie, one of the largest in the world.
Women at work: a tribute from Seqirus, a CSL company that is a leading producer of flu vaccine
Seqirus shared this International Women’s Day video showcasing women who contribute to its mission as one of the world’s top producers of flu vaccine.
Want to learn more about women working in science and biotechnology?
Take our Women in Science quiz.
