History of Women in Neurosurgery (WIN) in Senegal

Women in neurosurgery (WIN) occupy an increasingly visible place, even if the discipline remains historically male-dominated. In Senegal, the discipline is gradually opening up to women, and many young female doctors are interested in this specialty. Despite advances in issues related to gender equity, barriers to recruiting and retaining women in neurosurgery continue to exist. Attracting women to neurosurgery can capitalize on strategies, such as mentoring, teaching leadership and negotiating skills, and job sharing or dual training tracks to name a few, that would benefit both men and women passionate about pursuing neurosurgery. The lack of a critical mass of females in neurosurgery can translate to greater difficulties in establishing a supportive network and a greater likelihood of feeling isolated as a result. Lifestyle considerations are a major concern to both genders when choosing a career; even more so in Africa, where women play a central role in the management of household chores and the education of children. The number of women entering neurosurgery training programs and the number of female neurosurgeons graduating are increasing in Senegal. The aim of this work is to share the experience and to take stock of the situation of women in neurosurgery in Senegal.