Women and Girls in Science: Bianca Piljic

Gender equality is union business. We believe that encouraging women and girls to take their place in STEM will have a positive impact on Australia’s economy as well as social and financial equality between genders. This is important work that can’t be done without the support and commitment of the many. If you are not a union member, please join us as your contribution is vital to the successes of all Australian women

Pharmacy was a good choice for me because it bought me out of my shell as I am not naturally confident with people, and it also utilised my skills in biology and chemistry. I like being a health professional which combines my science education and my communication skills to make a difference.

In my workplace, I am trying to improve allergy documentation on patient medication charts and increase awareness overall about allergies and antimicrobial use. I am considering starting my Masters, however it’s tricky to decide which direction to go in during a pandemic.

My long-term goals are to ensure pharmacy continues to be practised in a patient-centred and safe way. I want to keep working on improving the regulations and structures currently in place in Australia to ensure that pharmacy employees can feel safe at work and really make a difference to the health of Australians.

Early in my career, I didn't realise there were organisations that supported my best interest as a worker. I didn’t know that it wasn’t just me who could ensure that I was treated fairly. Once I learned about and joined my union, I was instantly surrounded not just by other pharmacists to help but also qualified people to assist with workplace issues outside of patient interaction. Being a union member helps me to be a better pharmacist.

A significant gender gap has persisted throughout the years at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world. Even though women have made tremendous progress towards increasing their participation in higher education, they are still under-represented in these fields. 
International Day of Women and Girls in Science | United Nations