The role of women in imaging: the evidence

Since the discovery of x-rays, the role of women in imaging has become increasingly important. Reflecting the changes in the roles of women in society, and the increasing acceptance that women make an effective and complimentary contribution to the workforce, the number of women working in imaging has increased in the past few decades. This is due in part by the change from male only medical schools early last century to having equal numbers of male and female medical students in many countries by the seventies. Radiology is an attractive career option for women and over the past two decades the proportion of women has increased and is now around 41% in radiology. This has resulted an increase in the number of women in leadership roles. This article examines the evidence for women in various roles, explores why having women in positions of influence is important, and looks at trends in the data. The recent move away from Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is disappointing as this affirmative action did help greater numbers of women into senior roles. It is clear there are many opportunities for professional women to step up and we should encourage and support them to do so.