Leadership Has No Gender
“Gender equality is vital for us all and essential for a more just and prosperous world.” – From the book Equality for Women = Prosperity for All by Augusto Lopez-Claros and Bahiyyih Nakhjavani
In 2018 SkinCeuticals invited me to design a leadership program as part of the Pioneering Women in Reconstructive Surgery (PWRS) initiative. At the time, I had no idea of the profound journey I was about to begin. Today, I recognize the immense significance of this work.
Currently, in low-income countries, there are only about three female surgeons for every one million people. The PWRS program addresses this disparity by making reconstructive surgery more accessible while empowering first-generation female surgeons through technical training, leadership development, and mentorship. The program aims to attract, retain, and inspire more women to pursue careers in surgery. To date, two cohorts of women from Nepal, Zimbabwe, India, Bhutan, Ecuador, Pakistan, Mozambique, and Malawi have participated in this groundbreaking initiative.
Globally, women face significant barriers in pursuing careers in surgery. Gender bias—both unconscious and deliberate—is deeply entrenched in the medical field, particularly in surgery, a profession historically dominated by men. Female surgeons often confront discrimination, rigid leave policies, higher performance standards, and high rates of sexual harassment. Additionally, the scarcity of female leaders, role models, and mentors in the field perpetuates these challenges. According to the International Journal of Surgery Global Health, although the number of women entering surgery is growing, fewer than one-third of surgeons worldwide are female.
Cultural factors exacerbate these struggles. In some societies, traditional gender roles, religious expectations, and entrenched definitions of what it means to be a "working woman" impose additional barriers. Limited access to education, ingrained self-limiting beliefs, and societal glass ceilings further hinder women's progress. Career planning and mentorship opportunities are often scarce for young women in these environments.
The PWRS program helps participants overcome these challenges by fostering self-awareness, enhancing perspective, and developing their ability to make impactful and intentional choices. Through shared experiences, these women recognize their strength, resilience, and determination while building a supportive community. They become both role models and inspirations to one another, showcasing the transformative power of solidarity and mentorship.As an executive coach, I am committed to helping individuals unlock their potential and realize their true capabilities. Working with these remarkable women has been profoundly inspiring. Many entered the program unaware of the leadership qualities they already possessed. Today, they are transforming lives—not only for their patients in underserved regions but also through the influence they wield as leaders in their communities.
What does it take for these women to succeed? Key factors include: Communicating with confidence,Serving as role models,Empowering themselves and others,Adopting a growth mindset, andBuilding and nurturing supportive networks.
These first-generation female surgeons exemplify the power of embracing one's capabilities and pursuing a passion, even in the face of significant challenges. Their journeys demonstrate that, with the right tools for leadership development and a commitment to perseverance, it is possible to make a profound impact on the world.I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to support these incredible women and look forward to continuing this journey with them. For more information, visit: SkinCeuticals Women Surgeons.
Anna Maria Casas
