Women in Life Science Denmark (WiLD) to host network meeting in collaboration with DANISH BIO to promote equity in the Danish life science industry
Keynote speaker Margrethe Vestager, EU commissioner and EVP of the EU commission
Marie Bjerre, Minister for Digital Government and Gender Equality and
Ulrik Beck, Head Economist of Kraka will discuss society with freedom and equal opportunities
6 March 2024, Denmark: Women in Life Science Denmark (WiLD) is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a network event in partnership with DANISH BIO in Copenhagen, Denmark on March 7, 2024.
The event, titled ‘What does it take to get equity in the Danish Life Science Industry?’ will address the critical need for equity in the Danish life science sector and that everyone should have an equal chance of success. While equality aims to treat everyone the same, equity ensures that everyone has access to the resources and opportunities needed to achieve success, regardless of their background or history. This embodies WiLD’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment across life sciences.
Keynote speaker Margrethe Vestager, EU Commissioner and EVP of the EU Commission, will provide insights into European initiatives on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) affecting Danish companies. Additionally, Marie Bjerre, Minister for Digital Government and Gender Equality, will share her vision for a society where equal opportunities are available to all, based on merit and talent rather than gender. Ulrik Beck, Head Economist of Kraka, will also contribute to the conversation by offering his perspective on the challenges women face in achieving success in the labour market.
WiLD aims to empower women in the Danish life science sector to pursue leadership roles through professional knowledge sharing and networking. Notably, the Female Leadership Mentoring Program, launched in September 2023 is expected to play a crucial role in supporting the career advancement of women in life sciences. Despite Denmark's high rates of education and employment among women, there remains a gender equality paradox, with women significantly underrepresented in upper management positions within the life science industry. WiLD is committed to addressing these barriers and fostering a more equitable workplace environment.
Lene Gerlach, Co-Founder and Chairperson at WiLD, said: “Hosting this event with DANISH BIO is a significant step forward toward fostering equality across the Danish life science industry. We are proud to have the EU Commissioner and the Minister for Digital Government and Gender Equality join us in highlighting the importance of equal opportunities. This event also provides an excellent platform to showcase the achievements of our impactful initiatives, including the Female Leadership Mentoring Program, launched last year. We remain committed to breaking down barriers and empowering women in the Danish life science sector, ensuring their success and representation in leadership roles.”
Hans Schambye, Chairperson at DANISH BIO, commented: “For DANISH BIO it is of great importance to host an event like this to highlight the current equity challenges within life science. Life science is the most complicated industry, and to succeed, we need the best and the brightest employees – not least at management level. As a priority we should provide everybody with equal opportunities and positions to create a diverse and inclusive working environment. We are grateful to have both the EU Commissioner, the Minister and the Head Economist to join us and share their views on these important topics.”
The event will take place at the Celebration Hall at the University of Copenhagen from 4.30 to 8.00pm CET on 7 March 2024.
About Women in Life Science Denmark (WiLD)
Women in Life Science Denmark is a non-profit organization based in Denmark, which is focused on seeking to increase diversity in professional senior leadership positions in life sciences for the benefit of society.
The network aims to unfold the full talent potential of women in life sciences by increasing visibility of female role models contributing to value creation through professional knowledge sharing and network activities.
The Initiator of WiLD is Lene Gerlach, PhD, who is a Partner at EIR Ventures and the Chairperson of WiLD. Lene is backed by a strong volunteer board of directors including Vice Chairperson Helle Busck Fensvig, Business Angel and Board member; Louise Lyhne, CEO of Lyhne Life; Ingelise Saunders, Chairperson of Boost Pharma and ISD Immunotech; Mette Rosenkilde, Professor at the University of Copenhagen and serial entrepreneur; Lone Veng, Board member of Mercy Ships; Claudia Blomgren-Hansen, Partner at LIFE SCIENCE PLUS Advokater; Pernille Winding Gojkovic, CEO of Høiberg and Hervør Lykke Olsen, Principal at the BioInnovation Institute, Henriette Dræbye Rosenquist, Board member of Gubra, Gitte Lillelund Bech, Board member in the organisation Financial Stability, and Vibeke Bendix Didriksen (she, her, hers), Vice President and Global Head of DE&I, Genmab.
For more information, please visit us at www.womeninlifescience.dk
