Women in STEM: Advancing Clinical Research as a Path to Sustainable Development
Women are transforming clinical research, bringing empathy, inclusivity, and innovation at the forefront of global health leadership. This is vital to achieving the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly in advancing good health and well-being (SDG 3), gender equality (SDG 5), and innovation (SDG 9).
In marking the International Day of Women and Girls in Science; we caught up with Dr. Fridah Mwendia, Market Development Specialist for Africa at IQVIA and WomenLift Health’s 2024 East Africa cohort member, who in this blog article shares insights on how women in clinical research are driving gender-responsive interventions, enhancing equal access to healthcare, and pushing for innovative pathways that benefit communities.
What has been your journey to becoming a leader in market development for clinical research in Africa
My journey into clinical research wasn’t a straight path—it has been a mix of curiosity, resilience, and an unwavering belief that Africa is more than just a participant in global health—it’s a leader in the making. From my early days in clinical research, I started my career asking tough questions: Why are certain populations underrepresented in trials? Why do life-saving treatments take so long to reach Africa? These questions led me to incredible opportunities, and over time I’ve been able to bridge global expertise with local needs, driving clinical trial and innovation across the continent. It’s been a process of utter learning, unlearning, and making sure clinical trials in Africa are sustainable, equitable, and truly representative. Every day, I get to bring people together—sponsors, researchers, and policymakers—to rethink what’s possible.
How do women in clinical research contribute to the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development?
Women and girls bring to the fore a unique lens to science—one that prioritizes empathy, inclusivity, and community-driven solutions. The UN’s 2030 agenda and the Africa 2063 agenda emphasize good health, gender equality, and innovation—three areas where women in science are already making great progress. Whether it’s leading vaccine research, advocating for more inclusive study designs, or ensuring that indigenous and rural communities aren’t left behind, women have been crucial in clinical research, ensuring that solutions meet the actual requirements of many populations, therefore increasing the sustainability and influence of science.
In what ways can women leaders employ AI and machine learning in clinical research?
Artificial intelligence and machine learning aren’t just buzzwords; these are set to revolutionize clinical research in ways we’ve only begun to imagine. For example, AI is transforming the discovery, testing, and delivery of medicines by anticipating disease outbreaks, personalizing therapies, and automating trial processes. However, technology’s efficacy is contingent upon the individuals who influence its development. The absence of women’s active involvement in AI-driven research and trial processes poses a risk of creating systems that overlook, misrepresent, or amplify biases in healthcare. AI is changing the rules of the game, but it’s up to us to make sure it changes them for the better.
In what ways can clinical research, particularly in the areas of vaccines and public health, create more job opportunities for women?
Vaccines and public health are where science meets society, making them powerful career paths for women who want to lead change in global health, not just study it. Whether it’s driving vaccine equity, strengthening pandemic preparedness, or designing community-centered trials, women present a distinctive ability to blend data with empathy—something the world needs now more than ever. But opportunity doesn’t just happen; it must be created. We need more funding for women-led research, more leadership programs targeting women in STEM, and more women sitting at the policy and decision-making tables to make policies that empower women to thrive in these fields.
How have women-led initiatives contributed to driving patient-centered innovation in public health?
When women lead, patients win. Women’s leadership ensures community perspectives are heard, guarantees inclusive research designs, and gives equal access to healthcare solutions a top priority. Take the push for gender-responsive health policies; women leaders in these spaces have made sure that clinical recommendations take into account how diseases impact men and women differently, therefore guiding more tailored treatments. It’s not just about innovation; it’s about impact as well.
What strategies may be implemented to promote women’s advancement into leadership positions within clinical research?
Representation is just the first step; real change happens when we move beyond visibility to deliberate inclusion. Second, we must provide mentorship and sponsorship opportunities—women supporting women. Mentorship is great, but sponsorship is even better. Women need champions in leadership who don’t just offer advice but actively open doors—advocating for promotions, funding research ideas, and ensuring women have a seat at the decision-making table. Finally, allyship matters. Men in leadership positions must recognize that gender equity in clinical research isn’t just a “women’s issue.” It’s about better science, stronger teams, and more impactful research outcomes. At the Clinical Research Society of Kenya, we are building networks where women don’t just find opportunities; they create them. Because when one woman rises, she brings many with her.
How can we amplify the voices of women in clinical research and pharmaceuticals?
Making room and passing the mic. Women in research are doing groundbreaking work, but too often, their contributions are treated as footnotes rather than headlines. That must change. We need to amplify women’s voices at global conferences, in industry publications, on executive boards, and in policymaking circles. This means ensuring more women are keynote speakers, peer reviewers, and recipients of major scientific awards. Media and industry leaders must also step up—highlighting women’s achievements not as “inspirational stories” but as critical advancements in science.
What policy changes are necessary to increase women’s participation in clinical research and global health?
It all starts with institutional commitment—equal pay, parental leave, funding for women-led trials, and gender-responsive research policies. We must move from token inclusion to systemic change, ensuring women aren’t just participating in research but leading it at every level. Systemic change requires systemic action. We can’t rely on goodwill alone—policies must be in place to level the playing field for women in clinical research.
Women in STEM not only contribute to science; we revolutionize it. Through leadership, innovation, or advocacy, we must ensure that clinical research transcends mere discovery to have meaningful impact. As we advocate for enhanced equity, representation, and leadership, one thing is clear—this is just the beginning. I take pride in being a member of our movement, and I can’t wait to see what we achieve next.
