Celebrating Women’s Empowerment at MSD

On March 14 the MSD Czech Republic proudly hosted the Sustainable Brunch, an event organized by the Association of Social Responsibility in celebration of International Women’s Day. This gathering brought together over 120 leaders, innovators, and change-makers to honor women’s achievements and discuss the barriers they continue to break. 

At MSD, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace, with nearly 33% female representation in our IT workforce. This commitment is not just about numbers; it reflects our dedication to creating an environment where every individual can grow professionally while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Our comprehensive benefit system is designed to support both career aspirations and personal well-being, including 12-week gender-neutral parental leave where MSD tops up the statutory pay to the equivalent of 100% base income, wide range of flexible working arrangements, and access to Human Health and Animal Health company products for our employees. 

The event featured impactful keynote speeches. Dr. Tomáš Šebek, a distinguished surgeon and humanitarian, opened the conversation by sharing his experiences in humanitarian missions. He emphasized the essential roles that women play in healthcare leadership, highlighting the critical need for advocacy in promoting gender equality. “I would like to see more female leaders across all industries. Whenever someone raises the flag, I will support them,” he stated.   

Irena Prášilová, MSD’s Technical Project Management Director, delivered a powerful message about the internal barriers women often face: “The hardest glass ceiling to break is the one we create in our own minds. Women often wait until they feel completely qualified to seek promotions, while men take the leap much earlier.” This insight serves as an important reminder for women to recognize their qualifications and pursue opportunities with confidence. 

In line with our commitment to social responsibility, MSD collaborated with Nadace Moment, represented by Veronika Hubková, to organize a Business Attire Collection. This initiative allowed attendees and our colleagues to donate their unworn professional clothing, laying the foundation for raising funds for eight local NGOs and reinforcing our role in giving back to the community. 

We extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the Sustainable Brunch, especially Irena Prášilová for her inspiring leadership message and Ľubomíra Nemčovská for her exceptional organization of the event. We also thank the Association of Social Responsibility for trusting us to host this significant gathering. 

As part of our commitment to create an environment where employees can thrive both professionally and personally, we continue to welcome collaborations with partners who share our passion in advocating for gender equality and women’s empowerment.