On International Women’s Day, Diaverum is proud to celebrate the women that are integral to the provision of life-enhancing renal care we provide in 23 countries around the world.
In 2023, we hand over the microphone to Michaela Blomstrand, Director Global Patient Experience and Stakeholder Management, to hear her thoughts on this year’s themen - #embraceequity – and what it means within our organisation and society as a whole.
International Women’s Day (IWD) is an opportunity, both to honour amazing women all around the world, but also to reflect on where we stand in a gender-diverse world. For this reason, this year’s theme is especially thought-provoking.
This year’s IWD theme reminds us more than ever that we need to continue striving for a society that has inclusiveness and diversity at its core and, most importantly, that equal opportunities aren’t enough. #embraceequity means it’s about time we appreciate that ‘people start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action’.
Industries such as healthcare, where the day-to-day work is primarily carried out by women, are a great place to start from.
In the decade I’ve worked for Diaverum, I’ve been fortunate to have this support, growing from a nurse, to now leading a global team of people passionate about enhancing the care experience.
As a Swedish-born healthcare company, Diaverum was formed in a country has long been a strong promoter of gender equality. The overarching Swedish principle is that everyone, regardless of gender, has the right to work and support themselves, to balance career and family life – for example, in 1974, itwas the first country in the world to replace gender-specific maternity leave with parental leave.
It’s also the birthplace for many inspirational women – from Astrid Lindgren’s strong and independent Pippi Longstocking, to climate activitist Greta Thunberg - leading a massive, global movement for the environment and a brighter future for generations ahead.