Women are the pillars of society, our ability to empathise and become emotionally involved is a strength in Healthcare, it makes us better doctors, leaders and carers!
Meet Yushavia Govender, the Healthcare professional and consultant from South Africa.
Tell us about yourself, what do you do in health?
I began my entrepreneurial journey into the world of Healthcare Technology with a view to connect and empower members of the Healthcare community. During my time as a Healthcare professional and a consultant, I noted the need for an interdisciplinary approach to Healthcare solutions that could be sustained beyond the occasional conference or interim project. I believe when we know better we can do better, and with that vision, I founded the online platform “African Healthcare Portal”, which serves to connect healthcare professionals and deliver peer to peer online courses.
What led you to pursue a career in health?
My mother was a nurse and I grew up in home with a strong focus on caring for others, as well as a natural aptitude for biological sciences. In many ways, Healthcare was and still is my calling.
What are you most proud of?
The entrepreneurial journey has been a difficult one, despite numerous setbacks, I have been able to stay the course and deliver on my promises. I look back on the years and I am proud of the steps I have taken to bring this platform to life.
What do you wish you had done differently?
There have been times when I have allowed hierarchy to heavily influence my decisions, much to my own detriment, I have since learned to speak up and ensure my voice is heard! Whilst the road has been littered with mistakes, I believe they have also been critical lessons.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced? How did you overcome them? What are some of the lessons learnt?
Eight months into development of my platform, my software team went bankrupt, I had to start over with a new team and pick up the pieces of the half built platform. It was a huge financial loss, not to mention the critical loss of time. I have learned to believe in myself, and that I am capable of sourcing and rebuilding my team – no matter what happens, the show must go on!
What are some of the opportunities you see for women in health on the African continent?
Women are the pillars of society, our ability to empathise and become emotionally involved is a strength in Healthcare, it makes us better doctors, leaders and carers! I believe that Africa’s greatest advantage is a lack of technological legacy systems, hence we are able to progress onto more advanced technologies much sooner and at a lower cost compared to other countries. Opportunities thus exist in the space that streamlines process and systems using lean technology.
I know that in the pharmaceutical industry, there is a need for diversity in the different departments but we need to open up those opportunities for women.
Where there is inefficiency, there is opportunity to pioneer improvement. - Yushavia Govender (@YushaviaGovende) Click To Tweet
What advice do you have for other women in health?
Where there is inefficiency, there is opportunity to pioneer improvement. Take it upon yourself to be that change and make a difference