Statistics from the Ministry of Health indicate that out of 160 surgeons in Rwanda, only 16 are women. Though the number of surgeons has been steadily increasing over the years, women are still few in surgical specialties compared to their male counterparts.
To pioneer inclusivity and address the challenges faced by female surgeons in the country, Women in Surgery Rwanda, a local NGO, organized a symposium which gathered female surgeons, surgical residents, medical students, healthcare professionals, and other people interested in advancing gender equality in general, to offer a space for female surgeons to share their experiences and insights.
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Women in Surgery Rwanda (WiSR) is a platform for Rwandan female surgeons and trainees with the aim of discussing and addressing the challenges faced by women surgeons in the country, creating a supportive network for women in the field; and serving as a space for sharing experiences, insights, and best practices to empower and inspire younger women to join the field.
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During the symposium held in Kigali on June 21 under the theme "Standing Out Through Empowerment”, panelists discussed the need for gender equality in surgery and fostering mentorship opportunities for aspiring female surgeons. Medical students were advised to select programmes that are diverse and grab every opportunity in the medical field to acquire new skills.
Women surgeons were called upon to, among others, have a passion to overcome challenges, conquer stereotypes and support fellow women. Dr Francoise Mukagaju, consultant plastic surgeon at King Faisal Hospital stressed that having a work-life balance can be achieved in the surgery profession with the support of family, and good mentors.
Prof Dr Emmanuel Kayibanda, a general and laparoscopic surgeon, noted that having more women in surgery starts with the awareness, and encouraging girls to opt for science subjects while still young.
"For residents and interns, take advantage of the incentives which include, crafting a relationship with nurses, doctors, mentors, and working as a family at work,” he said.
16 female surgeons
Women in surgery were also urged to find a good support system, learn how to communicate with their seniors, and be organised.
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In March, Dr Sylvie Inyange, a neurosurgeon at Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK) who graduated from University of Rwanda (UR) in November last year and went on to become the second, and youngest, female neurosurgeon in Rwanda, told The New Times that: "I was acutely aware of the stereotypes and biases that exist within the field, with some [people] arguing that it is primarily an area for men. However, rather than seeing these challenges as insurmountable barriers, I choose to view them as opportunities for growth and empowerment.”
Inyange thought to herself "If they could do it why not me?”, and, her passion for neurosurgery and unwavering determination to pursue her dreams have been the driving force behind her decision to defy societal norms and pursue a career in a male-dominated field.
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"I refuse to let gender stereotypes dictate my choices and limit my potential. I firmly believe that competence knows no gender. I have worked tirelessly to develop my skills and acquire knowledge,” she said.
During the June 21 symposium, Zachee Iyakaremye, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, said: "We are meeting in a context that we have a lot to celebrate in surgery in all aspects, from teaching, clinic, and healthcare. Today, we have 16 female surgeons and 14 in training.”
He noted that the progression over the years is not only by teaching but with inspiration as well. Although there is still a gap in limited health workers, Iyakaremye is optimistic that the 4x4 Strategy of quadrupling the number of healthcare workers in the country within the next four years to meet the WHO recommendation of at least four healthcare professionals per 1,000 population density will bridge the gap.
He stressed that women are given enough chances as men, and that the Ministry of Health is promoting female education in sciences.
"We want to curb the issue of limited number of health professionals. University teaching hospitals are equipped and enhanced and the government is considering health practitioners welfare and the work environment is conducive,” Iyakaremye said.
The zeal of surgery should be passed on from one generation to another, because surgery is rewarding, not only financially, but helping save lives, he added.
Various positive strategies for an inclusive medical community are on the rise which led to an improvement in undergraduate female representation from less than 10 per cent before 2005 to 50 per cent currently, it was noted. However, in residency programmes, the recruitment of surgeons in all combined specialties is below 10 per cent. The challenge significantly impedes the healthcare workforce.
Panelists were confident that having a more inclusive and diverse surgical team would boost recruitment in surgical specialities and yield to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.