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,” written by Augusto Lopez-Claros & Bahiyyih Nakhjavani

About three years ago, I was invited by SkinCeuticals and ReSurge International to develop a leadership program as part of the project Pioneering Women in Reconstructive Surgery (PWRS). At the time, I was not aware of the grandeur of the journey I was about to embark upon. Today, I realize the significance of this initiative.

Currently, there are about 3 female surgeons for every 1 million people in low-income countries across the world. The PWRS program is devoted to making reconstructive surgery in some of these places accessible to more people. By empowering first-generation female surgeons through technical training, leadership development, and mentorship, the program seeks to attract, retain, and encourage more women to this profession. To date, two cohorts of women from Nepal, Zimbabwe, India, Bhutan, Ecuador, Pakistan, Mozambique, and Malawi have attended the program.

Not only there but all over the world, there are numerous obstacles for women who wish to pursue a career in surgery. First and foremost, there is a huge gender bias -- whether unconscious or intentional -- in the world of medicine, particularly surgery. This profession is strongly associated with men, which in itself is a difficult challenge to tackle. Women who wish to enter these fields not only face gender discrimination, but they are constrained by inflexible policy leaves, are subject to a hidden higher standard (as is the case in most professions), and also experience high levels of sexual harassment. In addition, there is a lack of women surgeons as leaders, role models, and mentors. According to the International Journal of Surgery Global Health, although the number of women is increasing, less than 1/3 of surgeons globally are female. 

Beyond this, other challenges female surgeons face are cultural-dependent struggles. In some societies, there are added pressures of religion, traditional gender roles, and a different definition of what it means to be a ‘working’ woman. There can be a lack of access to education, deep-seated levels of self-limiting behaviors, or imposed glass ceilings. Career planning is not necessarily being taught or encouraged to younger women. 

The PWRS program has allowed the participating surgeons to realize how powerful they are by giving them an opportunity to take perspective, develop self-awareness, and increase their ability to make conscious and impactful choices. Their leadership and courage have been significant pillars in helping them move beyond these challenges. By interacting with women surgeons who are in similar positions, being together has shown them not only how much they have overcome, but also how strong, determined, and resilient they are while forming a community. They have become an inspiration to one another. 

As an executive coach, it is my profession and mission to recognize the potential individuals have and support them to unleash what they’re truly capable of. I witnessed how impactful the process is when working with these women who, themselves had not realized the leaders they already were. These surgeons have a positive impact on their patients in these underserved nations, and they continue to do so every day through their work. 

After all of this, what does it then take for these women to be truly successful? Some of the key success factors for women who pursue this profession include communicating with confidence; being a role model; empowering self and others; using a growth mindset; and actively developing and nurturing a network of women whom they support and who can support them.

These first-generation female surgeons are a true example of what it looks like when a woman is determined to embrace her capabilities and leverage her potential despite challenging circumstances. There is no underestimating the power of pursuing ones’ passion. It is by no means an easy feat, but by providing tools for leadership development combined with perseverance to pursue a dream, there is a large potential to make a big impact. 

I am very grateful for this opportunity and look forward to continuing to accompany these women on their journey. 

For more information: https://www.skinceuticals.com/womensurgeon