Findings show that women were significantly more likely than men to report inequities in recruitment, opportunities for advancement, and workplace inclusivity, and many described negative impacts of personal identity on their career progression.
These findings underscore the responsibility of professional societies to lead efforts toward structural equity. Priorities for action include increasing the visibility of women in leadership and faculty positions and implementing family-friendly and flexible working policies. Such initiatives are pivotal to enhancing career satisfaction, retention, and leadership representation among female surgeons.
In response, ESSO will work on establishing a mentorship programme to strengthen professional support networks and promote equitable career development. Broader international collaboration between surgical societies will be essential to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion become integral to the culture of surgical oncology worldwide.
