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Gender Distribution at Ophthalmological Congresses in German Speaking Countries - A Comparison Between Germany,
Eda Arslan1, Anna Reisinger2, Katharina Krepler3
1Ophthalmology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Lübeck, Germany.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Numerous international studies show that women continue to be underrepresented at scientific congresses. This applies particularly to their participation as invited speakers, chairpersons and members of program committees. This discrepancy raises the question of whether similar imbalances also exist in German speaking countries. In this study, gender specific differences in the representation of speakers, chairpersons and members of program committees at the national ophthalmological congresses in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland were examined to investigate the extent of gender differences.
Abstract:
METHODS: Data were collected for the years 2013, 2022, and 2023 and included the respective national congresses of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG), the Austrian Ophthalmological Society (ÖOG) and the Swiss Ophthalmological Society (SOG).
Abstract:
RESULTS: The number of female speakers at DOG, ÖOG and SOG has increased over the last decade. Significant correlations between the proportion of female speakers, female chairs and women in the program committee were shown.
Abstract:
CONCLUSION: Gender-related imbalances were shown for all three national conferences. We see our work as contributing to the improvement of the role of women in ophthalmology. Potential approaches for improvement - like support programmes and more female role models for female ophthalmologists, especially in the scientific field - could offer an approach to promoting a more balanced gender distribution.
