Abstract
Inequitable representation on journal editorial boards (EB) may hinder females' career advancement in leadership positions.
We conducted a cross-sectional study analyzing gender representation in EB of surgical oncology journals. Members were classified as “editor-in-chief”, “senior editorial leadership”, “board and advisory members”, and “editorial management and support”, with first names used to predict female representation.
We included 24 surgical oncology journals and analyzed 2,097 names. Females held 33.1% (694/2097) of EB positions (p<0.001). A chi-square analysis revealed a significant difference in gender representation across editorial roles (p<0.001). Females held fewer editor-in-chief roles (17.9%, 5/28) compared to board and advisory members (30.1%, 473/1574). Overall, 4/24 journals had a statement about diversity/equity on the EB, despite none showing equal proportion.
Female surgeons remain underrepresented in leadership positions, underscoring the need to improve equity and females’ advancement.