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. 2021 Aug;90(2):300-314.
doi: 10.1038/s41390-020-01286-5. Epub 2020 Nov 25.

Gender inequalities on editorial boards of indexed pediatrics journals

Adolfo Alonso-Arroyo #  1   2 , Javier González de Dios #  3   4   5 , Joan Aleixandre-Agulló #  6 , Rafael Aleixandre-Benavent #  7   8
Affiliations

Gender inequalities on editorial boards of indexed pediatrics journals

Adolfo Alonso-Arroyo et al. Pediatr Res. 2021 Aug.

Abstract

Background: The presence of women in decision-making positions, such as on editorial committees of biomedical journals, is not the same as that of men. This paper analyzes the gender composition of editorial committees (EBMs) and editors-in-chief (ECs) positions of pediatric journals.

Methods: The gender of EBMs and ECs of 125 journals classified in the pediatrics area of the Journal Citation Report (JCR) was analyzed. The following indicators were calculated: gender distribution of ECs and EBMs by journal, publisher, subject speciality, country, quartile of the journal in JCR and country of affiliation of the members.

Results: The total number of EBMs was 4242. The distribution by sex of the ECs was 19.44% women and 80.56% men, while that of the EBMs were 33.05% women and 66.95% men. Twenty journals exhibited a greater representation of women than of men, and in four there was parity. Journals with greater participation of women specialized in nursing and physical therapy and were related to nutrition (lactation and breastfeeding).

Conclusions: Only one-fifth of ECs and one-third of EBMs are females. Women's participation is higher in journals related to nursing, physical and occupational therapy, and nutrition. The United States has the highest number of EBMs, followed by the European Union.

Impact: Only one-fifth of Editors-in-chief in pediatrics journals are female. Only one-third of Editorial Board Members in pediatrics journals are female. Women's participation is higher in editorials committees in pediatrics journals related to nursing, physical and occupational therapy, and nutrition. Medical and pediatric associations and societies must work together to eliminate the disparities that exist between women and men. Achieving gender equity and empowering all women is one of the World Health Organization's Sustainable Development Goals.

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