Ensuring Women’s Representation in Scientific and Technical Roles at AbbVie

At AbbVie, our mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that address some of the world’s most complex health challenges. To achieve this, we rely on the brilliance, creativity, and diverse perspectives of our people. Diversity in thought, experience, and background is not simply a value we uphold; it is a catalyst for the innovation that defines AbbVie. A core part of this commitment is ensuring that women are well-represented in the scientific and technical roles that form the backbone of our research and development.

In an industry where science is evolving rapidly, women have historically been underrepresented in critical functions. As an organization that believes in equitable opportunity, AbbVie is dedicated to closing this gap and creating pathways for women to thrive at every stage of their career journey. Representation is not achieved by chance; it is the outcome of intentional strategies, sustained commitment, and a culture that values inclusivity.

Our efforts begin with building a strong pipeline of talent. Through our inhouse programs like Power Up and Infuse which focus on mentorship initiatives, and robust career programs, we provide women the visibility, resources, and confidence they need to envision themselves as future leaders. We also engage with external organizations that champion women’s growth and leadership. By creating these opportunities early in their professional lives, we aim to reduce barriers to entry and open more doors to fulfilling careers in research and innovation.

Recruitment is another critical area where we put inclusion at the forefront. AbbVie ensures that our hiring practices reflect our commitment to equity. This includes structured interview processes designed to mitigate unconscious bias, diverse hiring panels, and targeted outreach initiatives like Project Falcon that help us attract talented women in scientific and technical domains. We also continuously review our workforce demographics to identify gaps and take corrective measures. This data-driven approach enables us to be transparent and accountable in our progress. Representation is not about meeting quotas but about creating an environment where talent from all backgrounds can thrive and contribute meaningfully.

Ensuring representation is not limited to recruitment alone but extends to supporting long-term career growth. AbbVie is deeply committed to helping women advance once they join us. We offer leadership development programs that equip women with the skills, confidence, and exposure they need to take on roles of greater responsibility. Mentorship and sponsorship are central to this effort. By ensuring women are visible in critical projects, research collaborations, and leadership forums, we help them build both influence and impact.

Continuous learning is another area of focus. AbbVie invests in specialized training programs and cross-functional opportunities to ensure that women working in technical and scientific roles are able to continuously evolve and remain at the forefront of their fields. These programs not only strengthen their expertise but also enable them to bring diverse insights to our innovation pipeline.

While programs and initiatives are important, culture is the true enabler of equity. At AbbVie, we foster a workplace where women feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. Our Employee Resource Groups provide safe and supportive spaces where employees can share experiences, seek mentorship, and collaborate on initiatives that promote inclusivity. We also recognize that flexibility and support systems are essential for enabling women to thrive, particularly in demanding roles. Our policies around parental leave, flexible working, and caregiving support ensure that women do not have to choose between personal responsibilities and professional aspirations.

Accountability remains central to progress. At AbbVie, we measure our success not just in terms of the number of women in technical roles, but also their presence in leadership positions, their retention, and their career advancement. These metrics are regularly reviewed at the highest levels of leadership, ensuring that inclusion remains a strategic priority across the organization. Transparency is equally important we share our progress publicly as part of our broader commitment to equity, reaffirming our dedication to shaping a workplace where women’s contributions are recognized as vital to scientific progress.

The challenges of healthcare are vast and solving them requires the collective genius of diverse minds. At AbbVie, we believe that the future of innovation will be shaped by the meaningful participation of women in every aspect of science and technology. Ensuring their representation is not only a matter of equity; it is a strategic imperative to deliver on our promise of better health outcomes for patients worldwide.

As the HR Director of AbbVie in India, I take pride in the steps we have taken and remain deeply committed to advancing this journey. Each and every employee,  regardless of gender, deserves an opportunity to contribute towards transforming patient lives and making possibilities real for our patients. By fostering an inclusive environment, building strong career pathways, and holding ourselves accountable, we are creating a workplace where women not only belong but also lead the way in driving scientific breakthroughs.