African Women in Neurosurgery: An Exploration of Historical Perspectives, Current Realities, and Future Prospects
Date
2024-11-10
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Women in Neurosurgery
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Gender disparities remain significant
issue, particularly impacting African women in the field of
neurosurgery.
METHODS: Databases, articles, and perspectives were
reviewed to identify challenges faced by African Women in
Neurosurgery (AWIN), and explore solutions for recruitment,
retention, and career advancement of AWIN.
RESULTS: In 1982, Africa saw its first female neurosurgeon,
with the first female president of the World Federation
of Neurosurgical Societies appointed 4 null decades
later. Presently, the continent hosts 245 female neurosurgeons,
with North Africa comprising the majority at 76.3%,
with Algeria notably contributing 72.2% of this total.
Southern Africa contributes 7.8%, while West Africa, East
Africa, and Central Africa contributed 6.5%, 6.1%, and 3.3%,
respectively. Thirteen countries lack neurosurgeons
entirely and 30 out of the 54 African nations face shortages
of female neurosurgeons, with distributions as follows:
North Africa (1-country), Southern Africa (6-countries),
West Africa (8-countries), East Africa (9-countries), and
Central Africa (6 countries). Our analysis mapped the distribution
of 245 AWIN across the African regions and
examined the professional trajectories and achievements
of 17 pioneering AWIN. Additionally, we compiled registries
for: 1) 76 neurosurgical training programs across 26
African countries, 2) organizations tackling gender
disparities in neurosurgery, and 3) recommendations to
promote AWIN across governmental, community, and academic
spheres.
CONCLUSIONS: To boost AWIN representation in
neurosurgery, concerted and comprehensive efforts are
vital. Collaboration among medical schools, training programs,
and governments are key to fostering diversity and
inclusivity in African neurosurgical settings.
Description
Keywords
Africa, African women, Global neurosurgery, MEDICINE::Surgery::Surgical research::Neurosurgery, WINS, Women in neurosurgery
Citation
World Neurosurg. (2024) 191:10-22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2024.07.136