Female leadership in scientific-professional representation

We take into account the number of women holding positions of responsibility on the executive boards of medical societies, official colleges of physicians and medical academies. We also take into account invitations to participate in national congresses of each speciality.

Methodology

According to original variables, we defined the Women Ratio (WR) in order to adjust the ratio of women in leadership positions to the ratio of women in the group under study, which varies depending on the medical speciality and other factors. The WR is calculated as the % of women in the leadership position/ % of women in the group eligible for the position. For instance, the WR of heads of department in a given speciality is calculated as % female heads of department/% female physicians working in such department.

WR=1 indicates that the ratio of women in leadership positions is equal to the ratio of women in the relevant group.

WR < 1 indicates that the number of women in the leadership position analysed is disproportionately low, considering the ratio of women in the specific group analysed.

WR >1 indicates that the number of women in the leadership position analysed is disproportionately high, considering the ratio of women in the specific group analysed.