152 Steady Hands: Women in Surgery, Barriers and Interventions

Abstract Aim This study explores the underrepresentation of women in surgery by examining barriers and reviewing interventions. Method Secondary data analysis was conducted using the Royal College of Surgeons Women in Surgery report (2024), the Working Party on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery (WPSMS) 2023 report and peer-reviewed studies from PubMed. Only UK-based, nationally relevant data from the past five years were included. Results 64% of people accepted into Medicine and Dentistry in 2020 were women (UCAS), only 17% of consultants are women (2024). 8.8% of consultants are female in trauma and orthopaedics, and only 2% of consultant surgeons in the UK are Black (2020). It makes for a hostile environment when women face a culture that compulses them to adopt male traits, compounded by the ‘Motherhood Tax. Over 25% of surgical trainees felt unsupported during pregnancy, 41% lacked rest facilities during night shifts. A survey by the WPSMS found that 1 in 3 of female surgical staff were sexually assaulted in the past five years. Fear of reporting and lack of institutional trust have contributed to the prevalence of misconduct. While 60.2% of male surgeons believed the Royal Colleges were addressing the issue, only 31.1% of women agreed. NHSE launched a charter on sexual safety. Conclusions Women in surgery have had to forge their path. With 66% of Black surgeons and 2 in 3 women feeling underrepresented by the college, systemic amendment is vital. Targeted interventions are crucial: robust mentorship, work-life balance policies, EDI training and an intersectional equity framework are needed.