Gender disparities in Ecuador: a survey study of the under-representation of women in surgery

The aim of this study is to describe the state of gender representation in surgery across Ecuador. A survey of female surgeons in Ecuador was conducted, collecting information regarding demographics, academics, family and relationships, sexual harassment, discrimination and gender preference of one’s own surgeon. All statistical analysis was conducted with IBM-SPSS version 25. The platform, Worlde, was used for discourse analysis. Of the 144 female surgeons who received the survey, 105 responded. Almost half of respondents had a higher degree in addition to their surgical training. Leadership positions in the workplace were reported to be held by males in 66.7% of cases. Relationship problems caused by the surgical profession were reported by 72.4% of respondents. Feelings of guilt for not dedicating enough time to family were reported by 72.4%, and a feeling of not being supported by their partner was reported by 31.4% of respondents. Sexual harassment was described by 55.2%, and discrimination by 48.6% of the female surgeons in our sample. The majority (89.5%) would choose surgery again if given the opportunity. Significant gender disparities remain within the surgical community in Ecuador.