Gender and income disparities in World Psychiatry Congress participation (2023–2024)

TL;DR

The study found that women's participation in the World Psychiatry Congress increased from 2023 to 2024, with more speakers from low- and middle-income countries, suggesting that hosting events in such countries may improve global inclusion.

Contribution

This study is the first to systematically analyze gender and income disparities in participation at the World Psychiatry Congress at both country and session levels.

Findings

Women’s representation increased from 37.4% in 2023 to 43.4% in 2024.

Hosting congresses in middle-income countries may support broader participation and inclusion.

Session types like Distinguished Lectures and Early Career Psychiatrist Sessions reached or exceeded gender parity in 2024.

Abstract

Although the number of women in psychiatry has increased substantially, gender disparities remain in leadership and visibility at scientific meetings. Country income level also affects academic participation, but its impact within the field of psychiatry remains underinvestigated. This study examined gender and income disparities at the country level, as well as gender and income disparities within countries, at two consecutive World Congresses of Psychiatry (WCPs), held in Austria (2023) and Mexico (2024).

The scientific programs of WCP 2023 and WCP 2024 were systematically reviewed to identify all speakers and chairs. Data were extracted on gender, role, session type, and country income level, classified according to World Bank criteria. Gender was determined from congress profiles, photographs, pronouns, or the Gender API. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests with Bonferroni corrections, with significance set at p < 0.05.

WCP 2023 featured 999 speakers/chairs, and WCP 2024 featured 574. Women’s representation increased significantly from 37.4% in 2023 to 43.4% in 2024 (χ² = 5.382, df = 1, p = 0.020). Participation from low- and middle-income countries also rose in 2024, while men’s representation from high-income countries declined. Several session types in 2024 reached or exceeded gender parity, including Distinguished Lectures (58.3%), Panel Discussions (50%), and Early Career Psychiatrist Sessions (60%).

Women’s representation at WCPs has shown encouraging improvement, although parity has not yet been achieved, and differences are evident by country income level. Hosting congresses in middle-income countries may support broader participation. Continued monitoring, mentorship initiatives, and inclusive conference policies can further strengthen gender equality and global representation in psychiatry.

Women’s participation in the World Psychiatry Congress increased from 2023 to 2024.

More speakers came from low- and middle-income countries in 2024.

Hosting events in middle-income countries may boost global inclusion.

Continued efforts can strengthen women’s leadership in psychiatry.