On this 8th of March 2021 two events are in the limelight, namely the upsurge in Covid-19 local transmission cases in the country, as well as the International Women’s Day. We would thus like to emphasize the essential role of women in this Covid-19 era, in connection with the UN theme this year on the International Women’s Day: ” Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world” by putting the light on some of the Bon Pasteur Clinic’s staff.

Even if we don’t talk about it often enough, women stand at the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis, as health care workers, caregivers, innovators, community organisers and as some of the most exemplary and effective national leaders in combating the pandemic, according to the United Nations. So let’s give the floor to few women within Bon Pasteur Clinic.

According to Gwenella Murthen, Head of the Human Resources Department, “More women than men are employed in our institution and it’s going well. The women working with us all have important roles at the clinic”. Nikita Elizabeth Mooken, Clinic’s accountant, agrees: “our financial director is a woman and the majority of the employees are women”. In addition, the Clinic is proud to have a board of directors made up of 25% women, with the presence of the financial director, namely Christiane Tadebois, compared to an average of 8.7% of female presence on the boards of directors at the national level.

Interestingly, at Bon Pasteur Clinic, key positions aimed at the well-being of the staff, as well as of the customers, are occupied by women. Victoria Viney, “Experience Officer” is responsible for organising and maintaining an enjoyable and professional overall experience for clients; that is, patients, visitors, doctors, and even the staff; a role that she considers as an amazing experience, with its load of challenges and rewards: “it’s hard to see our patients’ suffering and see families overwhelmed with pain, but also so heart-warming when a patient leaves our clinic with a smile”. As for the head of the human resources department, she lives her role within the Clinic, and as a woman, by trying to listen to employees and their needs, while being comfortable in sharing her ideas and feelings with the Management regarding the smooth running of the Clinic.

Bon Pasteur Clinic’s staff is undoubtedly made up of both male and female professionals. As Victoria Viney puts it so well, “I am grateful to work with the team of nurses, because they are committed and dedicated in ensuring that each of our patients receives the best possible care”. The feminine touch, however, sometimes makes all the difference and demonstrates the importance of a gender-balanced team. Thus, “as a woman, I find myself more patient and accommodating, whether it is towards patients or colleagues,” Nikita Elizabeth Mooken admits.

And as a message to women on this international day, our guests are unanimous: perseverance always, and do not let anyone tread on you!

May this message be an inspiration for women, not only on this International Women’s Day, but may it be an inspiring motto on a daily basis, in order to aim at “Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world”, and well beyond!

Happy celebrations to all women !