Abstract

Obstetrics & Gynaecology leadership representation in Australia and New Zealand: where to for gender equity? #

Dr Kirsten Fiona CONNAN, Prof. Michael QUINN. #

Background #

As the leading medical specialty for women’s healthcare in Australia and New Zealand, RANZCOG should be a lead organization in promoting gender equity. Despite the predominately female membership of RANZCOG, there are however few women in leadership positions. This research explores gender representation within RANZCOG and affiliated institutions in Australia and New Zealand. It also examines members’ views on leadership, gender bias, and quota use.

Methods #

A mixed methods analysis was performed on public documents from RANZCOG, RANZCOG affiliated hospitals (98 sites), university O&G departments in Australia and New Zealand (18 sites), and with an electronic survey of member experience and views of leadership, gender bias, and quota use. Results

In 2017 women comprised 80% of trainees and 46% of specialists within RANZCOG, but occupied only 14% of RANZCOG board positions, 32% of RANZCOG council positions, 32% of affiliated hospital leadership posts, and 31% of affiliated University O&G department leadership posts. Women expressed a 33% higher desire for leadership at all levels, and reported gender bias 53% more often, than men. 63% of RANZCOG members opposed gender quotas, although many recognized their limited knowledge of current gender representation within RANZCOG leadership.

Discussion #

RANZCOG lacks women in top level leadership positions. RANZCOG urgently needs to engage its members and create solutions to improve gender equity for both men and women within the specialty.