The session was chaired by Paul Day, PDA Director of Membership and Communities, and explored how pharmacists can become meaningful allies to their colleagues and help create fairer workplace cultures. The panellists were:
- Oluomachi Yvonne Okereke, President of the PDA NAWP Network
- Jyoti Buxani, President of the PDA Ability Network
- Adam Somerville, President of the PDA LGBT+ Network
- Nahim Khan, Co-opted member of the PDA BAME Network.
During the session, panellists discussed what meaningful allyship means in practice and why it remains an essential part of tackling discrimination and inequality in the workplace. Drawing on PDA casework and their own experiences, the speakers highlighted how the absence of allyship can contribute to unfair treatment and leave individuals feeling isolated when facing workplace challenges.
The panel also reflected on the experiences of members of the PDA Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Networks more widely, and considered the role that colleagues, managers, and employers can play in building supportive and inclusive working environments. Examples from the PDA’s EDI Networks demonstrated how collective action and collaboration can strengthen individual voices and help drive positive change across the profession.
Oluomachi Yvonne Okereke said, “One point that particularly resonated with me was how easily smaller voices can be lost in rooms where important decisions are being made. It left me reflecting on a question: when we succeed in getting these voices into the room, how do we ensure they feel empowered to speak up, contribute meaningfully, recognise their potential, and step into opportunities that could shape their professional journeys? Representation is an important first step, but we must also be intentional about creating environments where people feel confident to contribute and where their perspectives are valued.”
The discussion reinforced a central message that meaningful allyship is not simply about expressing support, but about taking action, challenging unfairness, and working together to ensure that everyone can thrive in the workplace. Through honest conversation and shared experiences, the session encouraged attendees to consider how they can play an active role in creating a more inclusive profession for all.
Get involved
PDA members can join a PDA EDI Network for £12 per year, retired members for £24 per year, and non-PDA members for £36 per year. In accordance with the PDA’s support for future pharmacists, membership of the networks is FREE for PDA student and trainee members (PDA student and trainee membership is also FREE).
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Not yet a PDA member?
If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you tojoin todayand ask your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
Read about our key member benefits here.