Gender and income disparities in World Psychiatry Congress participation (2023-2024)

Although the number of women in psychiatry has increased substantially, gender disparities remain in leadership and visibility at scientific meetings. Country income level also affects academic participation, but its impact within the field of psychiatry remains underinvestigated. This study examined gender and income disparities at the country level, as well as gender and income disparities within countries, at two consecutive World Congresses of Psychiatry (WCPs), held in Austria (2023) and Mexico (2024).

The scientific programs of WCP 2023 and WCP 2024 were systematically reviewed to identify all speakers and chairs. Data were extracted on gender, role, session type, and country income level, classified according to World Bank criteria. Gender was determined from congress profiles, photographs, pronouns, or the Gender API. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests with Bonferroni corrections, with significance set at p < 0.05.

WCP 2023 featured 999 speakers/chairs, and WCP 2024 featured 574. Women's representation increased significantly from 37.4% in 2023 to 43.4% in 2024 (χ² = 5.382, df = 1, p = 0.020). Participation from low- and middle-income countries also rose in 2024, while men's representation from high-income countries declined. Several session types in 2024 reached or exceeded gender parity, including Distinguished Lectures (58.3%), Panel Discussions (50%), and Early Career Psychiatrist Sessions (60%).

Women's representation at WCPs has shown encouraging improvement, although parity has not yet been achieved, and differences are evident by country income level. Hosting congresses in middle-income countries may support broader participation. Continued monitoring, mentorship initiatives, and inclusive conference policies can further strengthen gender equality and global representation in psychiatry.