News

Women’s representation in academic medicine has been dismal for several decades. This is quite obvious concerning job opportunities, promotions and leadership roles. But what do we know about female attendance at conferences – a criterion often used to assess career development?  

The World Congress of Nephrology (WCN) is one of the largest global kidney care conferences presenting scientific and educational activities and global networking. With close to 4000 participants each year, women have played an integral role as both organizers and attendees.  

Dr Namrata Parikh and Dr G Dhanalakshmi, me (from L-R)

WCN’22 hosted the first “Women in Nephrology“ (WIN)-India joint session, which focused on the challenges of translating research in high-income countries to low- and middle-income settings. I found it inspiring to hear prominent female speakers share their thoughts and experiences and motivate early–career nephrologists like myself.  

The ISN has set a very encouraging precedent in electing women to prominent leadership roles such as president and executive director. It is also reassuring to see an uptrend in women‘s representation as co-chairs, organizing committee members, and moderators at WCN’23. In fact, the percentage of female speakers will be higher than male speakers at the upcoming congress.  

As a member of the WCN’22 and WCN ’23 Social Media Teams, I‘m proud to attest that female representation has been a solid 50% at both events. This year, the congress features two important women–centric sessions: The WIN-India session dedicated to celebrating the work of young female nephrologists who are making an impact with their work in different parts of the world, and the TTS-ISN joint session on solid organ transplantation in emerging health systems with an emphasis on women’s health and their role in transplantation and equitable healthcare.  

The WCN is packed with other scientific and academic content – do take a peek here and be sure to register!  

With several organizations backing female presence (and Twitter calling out #manels – all-male panels), there has been a noticeable increase in female participants in conferences in recent years. Is this because of an increase in the number of women pursuing nephrology? Or women empowering more women? 

Rooting for all female organizers, speakers, chairs, moderators and attendees this year, I say, “Who runs the world? Girls! (girls)!” – Beyonce 

 – Krithika Mohan