The Medical Technology Association in the Middle East and Africa (Mecomed) has established the Women in MedTech Network (WMN), addressing the significant gender disparity in the region’s medical technology leadership. Current data indicates women occupy merely 1% of CEO positions in the Middle Eastern and African MedTech sector, highlighting the pressing need for initiatives supporting female advancement in the industry.
Strategic development programme
The network’s framework encompasses structured mentorship programmes and professional development resources, specifically designed to enhance leadership capabilities among women in the medical technology sphere. This systematic approach aims to create sustainable pathways for women to advance into senior positions within the sector.
The initiative represents a strategic response to the documented underrepresentation of women in MedTech leadership roles across the Middle East and Africa. Farah N. Hamdan, Mecomed Board Member and CEEMA GM at Zimmer Biomet, emphasised the correlation between diversity and medical technology advancement, stating: “We believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to innovation and advancement in MedTech.”
Industry impact assessment
Mecomed CEO Rami Rajab highlighted the strategic importance of addressing gender disparity in leadership positions, noting that the exceptionally low percentage of female CEOs in the sector necessitates targeted intervention. The programme’s implementation is expected to influence innovation trajectories and healthcare outcomes across the region through increased diversity in decision-making positions.
The WMN initiative aligns with broader industry efforts to enhance healthcare delivery through diverse leadership perspectives. The network’s establishment marks a structured approach to developing a talent pipeline for female leadership in the medical technology sector, potentially influencing future innovation and market dynamics in the region.
The programme’s launch featured comprehensive sessions outlining operational frameworks and mentorship structures, establishing foundational elements for sustained professional development. This systematic approach to supporting female advancement in MedTech leadership positions represents a measurable step towards addressing documented gender disparities in the sector.
Mecomed, serving as the principal trade association for medical devices, imaging, and diagnostics manufacturers in the Middle East and Africa, positions this initiative within its broader mandate to enhance healthcare delivery through strategic industry development. The association maintains collaborative relationships with governmental bodies, regional organisations, and healthcare professionals to advance medical technology implementation across the region.
