Women in Neurosurgery: Historical Path to Self-Segregation and Proposal for an Integrated Future

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Profession
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Neurosurgery remains a male-dominated surgical specialty, with women comprising only 19% of practitioners.
• Historical prejudices and work-life balance concerns discourage women from entering or persisting in neurosurgery.
• Many female neurosurgeons face career progression challenges and unequal treatment compared to male colleagues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the evolution and impact of Women in Neurosurgery (WINS) initiatives.
• To analyze the shift in WINS sessions from addressing gender discrimination to becoming women-only scientific forums.
• To discuss the implications of potential self-segregation within the neurosurgical community.

Main Methods:

• Review of the historical trajectory and stated mission of Women in Neurosurgery (WINS).
• Observation of the changing format of WINS sessions at national and international conferences.
• Analysis of the emerging trend of women-only sections within neurosurgical societies.

Main Results:

• Women in Neurosurgery (WINS) was established in 1989 to promote inclusivity and address gender discrimination.
• WINS sessions have evolved from platforms for discussing discrimination to predominantly women-only scientific presentations.
• This shift has led to the formation of separate groups for female neurosurgeons, raising concerns about self-segregation.

Conclusions:

• While WINS aimed for equality, its recent evolution risks creating divisions rather than fostering true integration.
• A growing segment of the neurosurgical community views gender-specific initiatives as counterproductive and anachronistic.
• The ultimate goal should be a neurosurgical field where professionalism and scientific merit transcend gender, eliminating the need for separate spaces.