Prof.Dr.

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Despite increasing participation of women in science and medicine, gender disparities in academic leadership remain entrenched. Although women now make up most medical students and a significant share of early-career health professionals globally, they remain underrepresented in senior roles across academic institutions, research bodies, and global health organizations. This gap affects institutional equity, scientific progress, and health system performance.

Objective: This narrative review examines the global state of women’s leadership in science and academic medicine. It assesses the extent of underrepresentation, identifies systemic and sociocultural barriers, and reviews strategies to support women’s advancement into leadership.

Methods: We conducted a narrative literature review, sourcing studies and reports from scientific databases and grey literature. Selection focused on four domains: (1) women’s academic leadership, (2) research participation and authorship, (3) global scientific representation, and (4) barriers including institutional culture, bias, and mentorship. Findings were thematically synthesized to highlight key trends.

Results: A persistent gender gap in leadership remains across academic medicine and scientific fields. Women are underrepresented in senior roles such as professors, deans, and journal editors, and have lower research output in terms of citations and lead authorship. Contributing factors include unconscious bias, work-life balance challenges, leadership stereotypes, limited mentorship, and systemic promotion barriers.

Conclusion: Closing the leadership gap requires more than participation-it calls for institutional change, targeted mentorship, inclusive leadership training, and a cultural shift that values diverse leadership. Progress is essential for equity, improved outcomes, and a more innovative scientific environment.