Women are still strongly underrepresented on the boards and presidiums of medical societies in Germany, despite their increasing share in the profession. An analysis by the German Interdisciplinary Association for Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine (DIVI) shows that only about a third of management positions are held by women, although more than 60 percent of medical students are female. The results, published open access in the German Medical Weekly, call for a cultural change through mentoring, transparent procedures and more visibility at congresses.

The study examined 183 professional societies of the Association of Scientific Medical Societies (AWMF) and counted a total of 1,460 board members. The proportion of women on boards and executive committees is 32.6 percent. The low presence at the highest levels is particularly striking: only 47 of the 183 companies, or 25.7 percent, are led by a female president, while 72 women, or 39.3 percent, act as vice presidents. Only 39 companies, or 21.3 percent, have a proportion of women of at least 50 percent in their management bodies. These figures illustrate a persistent imbalance, which is exacerbated by male-dominated networks, non-transparent selection processes and a lack of role models.

DIVI, which itself drew impulses for internal changes from this analysis, has already taken measures. In its sections, 14 women and 18 men now work as spokespersons, which creates an almost balanced ratio. Formats such as “Empowered Women in Medicine” and equal representation of committees in the Junge DIVI promote participation. At the most recent congress, a mentoring program was launched, which was well received by participants. In addition, events such as the Presidents’ Symposium and the planned citizens’ forum in December will be deliberately gender-equitable. Nevertheless, the DIVI is grabbing its own hair: its presidium includes ten men and two women, which marks the path to parity as long-term.

Structural hurdles such as traditional role models and double burdens make careers of female doctors more difficult. The DIVI advocates comprehensive initiatives: mentoring programs, family-friendly conditions, transparent elections and active involvement at congresses. A women’s quota alone is not enough; instead, diverse approaches are needed at all levels to retain committed professionals and make full use of women’s expertise. The analysis, prepared by an interdisciplinary team including DIVI representatives and an AWMF expert, underlines the responsibility of all societies for gender equality.

The results will encourage panel discussions, for example at the DIVI Congress, where topics such as the advancement of women and career paths will be highlighted with representatives of all generations and genders. Since the beginning of the year, DIVI has made the promotion of women a priority and calls on other professional societies to take similar steps. This position paper serves as a mirror for the entire system and could represent the start of broad reforms.

Original paper for download (PDF)

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

Gender Notice. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple naming and gendered designations are used for better readability. ected.