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Katerina Anokhina
We live in the world which is colourful and diverse, but sometimes we are not able to see all the variety because of the blindfold of stereotyping.
When you hear the hooves, do not necessarily think about the horse or even zebras, there are about 200 species who have hooves, including antelopes, giraffes, deer, goats, camels, and many more. I hope that with the EDI Forum, we can celebrate the complexity and diversity of people working in Pharmaceutical medicine. This is one of the ways we can contribute to breaking stereotypes and ensuring equal consideration for everyone, regardless of their gender, race, accent, age or any other attribute which has an association with a cliché.
Joubert Gama
Having had to face many types of personal and professional prejudice over the years, and not just the obvious one of “colour” it’s heartening all over the world to see some shoots of green in various areas but I think we have barely seen the tips. All organisations claim to be a reflection of society but I’ve never been clear which “society” is reflected by FPM and although a Member/Fellow I have usually felt I was on the outside looking in. So now it’s amazing to have the opportunity with a great group of like-minded colleagues to work towards making FPM a more inclusive, equitable and non-discriminatory place for all. I also am on a similar group within the “PM Society” and hope that through this there will be a cross-fertilisation of thoughts and ideas.
Anu Koshy
As an Asian woman, mother of three children and physician, it is important for me to contribute to a culture of inclusion, that embraces differences between individuals as an opportunity to evolve and progress as a society, so that Tomorrow, all our children will enjoy the results of our initiatives Today.
Tony Lockett
“We cannot solve our problems using the same thinking we used to create them”
Einstein
In many ways the ethnic, diversity and inclusion issues we have today can be traced back to the enlightenment, and we cannot solve the problems of EDI using enlightenment thinking. Instead we need to look to narratives and stories. Through the telling of stories we can we can understand the feelings emotions and dreams of all of us. I hope in the EDI to encourage the story teller in all of us and reach the balance of dreams and progress while avoiding the grievances of the past.
Fera Mansor
From a multiracial and multinational background, I am privileged to have experienced many different cultures and societal norms. At the same time, I have also observed and experienced the effects of many conscious and unconscious biases that exist. Change will take time and we have to be ready to change the status quo, even when it is uncomfortable and inconvenient. The EDI Forum will lead this change for embracing equality, diversity and inclusion within FPM and further afield. I hope by being part of this team, I can proactively contribute to the concerted efforts, as change is impossible from a distance.
Ansuya Naidoo
Growing up in South Africa- an environment where inequality was the norm, and with discrimination on various levels, I really believe the impact on future generations cannot be underestimated. As a mother, I have experienced new needs for equality both in and outside the workplace, but at the same time, working with diverse global teams and networks has shown how important the experiences and contributions of different people can be. I hope the work we are doing as a part of the EDI group will help improve the future of FPM members.
John Ndikum
It is my personal belief that the seeds of human dreams – forged in the crucible of experience, and nourished by hope – must find the right soil within which they can go on to bear fruit. And the bridge uniting those aspirations and their realisation for all is one constructed with a scaffold of justice, diversity, equality and inclusion.
We are all born to dream, and to make those dreams come true. To my mind, the erection of institutions – and by extension of society – that accords with EDI principles, opens the doors to equitable outcomes for all.
As part of FPM’s EDI group, I hope to play whatever small part I can, to etch this integral ethos into its practices and into the hearts and minds of those we serve.
Marcia Philbin
Maya Angelou once said “If you don’t like something, change it”.
I want FPM to be a place where all members feel that they belong, that they can be their authentic self, where honest debate can happen and no-one will feel afraid to speak up.
Bu Siakpere
Tectonic global events have highlighted why societal cohesion and equality are more important than ever.
As part of the EDI leadership team I wish to contribute to positive change at the FPM to promote an environment which enables all members to reach their full potential.
Shining a light on areas for improvement, challenging the status quo and a genuine commitment to make positive changes whilst building on our strengths will I believe, allow the fullest benefits of Pharmaceutical Medicine to be realised for the good of society.
Emma Smith
As a clinician who moved to the industry at a relatively early stage in both my lifetime and career, I have encountered various new challenges, such as navigating corporate ‘politics’, developing my skills as an authentic leader and dealing with gender norms and biases in the workplace. FPM membership is bound to become even more diverse in the future, and I want to be part of a constructive effort to ensure the FPM stays relevant, supportive and proactive for all members, now and looking to the future. I welcome the opportunity to work with the EDI group to implement tangible actions that make change for good.
