Female Representation and Position Based on Facts and Members Views in the European Society of Coloproctology

BACKGROUND: There is wide variation in gender distribution in colorectal surgery across different European countries. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate female representation, implicit bias, and members' perception on female participation and representation at the European Society of Coloproctology 2017 annual scientific meeting. DESIGN: This was a retrospective mixed-methods crosssectional observational study. SETTINGS: The study was conducted using data from the 2017 European Society of Coloproctology annual scientific meeting program and attendees. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was the percentage of female speakers in the formal program and assessment for implicit bias. Secondary outcomes were the percentage of women attending the conference, the percentage of women serving on committees, and the results of the online survey. METHODS: Female representation was retrospectively quantified by role, session type, and topic. Implicit bias was measured classifying the introductions of speakers by moderators as formal (using a professional title) or informal (using name only), then further stratified by gender. An online survey was disseminated and analyzed to investigate the members' perception as a benchmark analysis. RESULTS: Disparities were found between sexes, with fewer women attending the conference (25%), serving as session chairs (8%), speakers (21%), and on committees (10%) compared with men. There were no differences across sexes regarding the formal or informal introduction. The survey among our members showed that significantly fewer women felt equally endorsed within the society compared with men (33% versus 63%; p < 0.001). LIMITATIONS: The retrospective design with data available to be analyzed was limited by the sessions recorded (27/49) and survey respondents (28%). CONCLUSIONS: Female representation within European Society of Coloproctology as chair, speaker, attendee, and committee member was much lower than male representation, both in absolute numbers and relative to membership. Greater awareness of this disparity and inclusiveness are aims of our society. The impact of these initiatives will be determined by reevaluating these metrics at the 2020 annual meeting. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B384.

Automated summary

The study showed significant disparities in female representation within the European Society of Coloproctology, with fewer women attending the conference, serving as speakers, session chairs, and committee members compared to men. Results from the online survey indicated that fewer women felt equally supported within the society, highlighting the need for greater awareness of these disparities and inclusiveness.