# Trends in female participation at the Brazilian Congress of Ophthalmology, 2016–2023

## TL;DR

This study shows that female participation in a major Brazilian ophthalmology conference increased from 2016 to 2023, but gender disparities still exist.

## Contribution

The study provides a longitudinal analysis of gender trends in a national ophthalmology conference, highlighting regional and role-specific patterns.

## Key findings

- Female participation increased from 33% in 2016 to 42% in 2023.
- The coordinator role saw the largest increase in female participation, rising from 22% to 40%.
- Most female participants were from the Southeast region of Brazil.

## Abstract

To assess female participation in the Brazilian Congress of
Ophthalmology.

This retrospective, descriptive-analytical study examined the profiles of
individuals involved in the scientific program of the Brazilian Congress of
Ophthalmology from 2016 to 2023. Data were provided by the Brazilian Council
of Ophthalmology and were categorized by ophthalmology subspecialty,
participant role, and geographic region of origin within Brazil. Roles were
grouped into three main categories: coordinator, speaker, and
moderator/discussant.

Female participation at the congress increased from 33% in 2016 to 42% in
2023, showing an annual upward trend of 1.33 (p<0.001). Around 64% of
female participants were from the Southeast region, while 16% were from the
Northeast. The coordinator role showed the largest increase in female
participation, rising from 22% in 2016 to 40% in 2023 (Slope: 2;
p<0.001), followed by the speaker role, which increased from 34% to 44%
(Slope: 1.5; p<0.001), and the moderator/discussant role, which rose from
32% to 38% (Slope: 1.24; p=0.0586). Changes in female representation across
ophthalmology subspecialties were not statistically significant.

From 2016–2023, female participation in the Brazilian Congress of
Ophthalmology increased across most subspecialties and conference roles.
Although gender disparity has narrowed, continuous efforts are needed to
achieve greater gender equity and equality in ophthalmology conferences.