Time for change - Do we need a women's quota in vascular surgery to counteract the gender gap?

Abstract

Background: Over the last years, the discussion about gender equality has reached surgery. Among all the different aspects being discussed, the question of the necessity of implementing a women's quota arises regularly. Materials and methods: In 2022 a questionnaire was answered by members of the German Society for Vascular Surgery and Vascular Medicine. Relevant career and family-life related demographic aspects as well as their personal opinion on the need for a women's quota were evaluated. Results: 540 vascular surgeons participated in the survey. Significantly more male surgeons were in a committed relationship. Significantly more partners of female colleagues had full-time jobs, and significantly less women stated that they were the main earners in the relationship. Male surgeons had significantly more children. In general, men held higher positions and significantly more male surgeons were enrolled as head of department. Significantly more women favoured a women's quota for e.g. head of department positions, senior surgeon positions, scientific committees and scientific panels at scientific conferences. Regarding the level of such a quota, 43% of participating female surgeons and 19.5% of males suggested a 50% quota, whereas 59% of male and 30% of female surgeons did not see the need of a women's quota at all. Conclusions: The present survey shows the imbalance between men and women in vascular surgery in Germany in terms of career development and family life. Persistent disadvantages for women were shown. Women's quotas could be helpful, but are certainly no reasonable "stand-alone-approach": a general change of mindset is needed here.