Women doctors in medical professional organisations in South Africa – a report by the Women in Medicine Workgroup

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine the level of representation of women doctors in medical professional organisations in South Africa historically and currently, and if not adequate, to ascertain the reasons for women's limited participation in medico-political activities. DESIGN: A descriptive study of the membership of South African medical professional organisations and their executive structures. OUTCOME MEASURES: The number and percentages of women doctors as members and at executive level in medical professional organisations compared with the number of registered women practitioners. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Women are inadequately represented at all levels in the great majority of organisations for which information was provided. In view of the rapidly increasing number of women doctors the profession and its professional bodies need to take active steps to promote the participation of women in these organisations.