Progress and challenges towards gender equality in the Spanish Society of Neurology: a study with a gender perspective

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to analyse gender representation in the leadership structure and positions of responsibility of the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN), highlighting the progress and challenges towards more equitable participation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a descriptive study of the distribution by sex at the level of president, executive board, plenary lectures, study groups, and membership of the SEN and its Annual Meeting, from its founding in 1949 to 2024, according to the information available in the Society's databases and website. RESULTS: A progressive increase in the proportion of women members of the SEN (2.8%, 12%, 32.5%, and 51.3% in 1952, 1982, 2002, and 2022, respectively) is observed, reflected in an equitable distribution of board members in 2024. This marks a milestone compared to previous boards, where men predominated. Only one woman has served as president of the SEN (96.6% men) since its inception. Fifty percent of the current coordinators of study groups are women. However, women still have low representation in plenary lectures and in higher-level positions. CONCLUSIONS: Gender representation shows a sustained trend toward equity, with notable recent progress in women's participation in leadership positions. Scientific societies are urged to improve the collection of gender data to continue analysing the causes of inequality and improve efforts to advance equitable representation.