The persistent underrepresentation of women in academic forums is concerning. Their equitable representation in gynecology conferences is not only emblematic of progress but pivotal for advancement of the field. We studied the prevalence of "manels" (all-male panels) within gynecologic surgery congresses spanning France and Europe.

We examined the scientific programs from five leading gynecologic surgery conferences held in France and Europe during 2020-2021. Comprehensive data, including faculty details, was collected. Primary outcomes were: (1) mean male faculty percentage across all sessions, and (2) overarching manel presence. Results were stratified by specific congresses and subspecialties, with further comparative analyses between manels vs. multigender sessions and male vs. female faculty attributes.

Of 144 sessions, 45 (31.3%) were identified as manels. Male faculty averaged 78.7% across all sessions. Consistent male predominance was observed across all congresses and subspecialties. Interestingly, sessions with a gender mix were not only lengthier but also featured a greater number of chairs/moderators and speakers compared to manels (p<0.001). Among the 882 faculty members, male faculty exhibited more practice years, a higher publication count, superior H-index (p<0.001), and predominant professor presence compared to their female counterparts. Conversely, female faculty demonstrated a propensity towards non-gynecology specializations (p<0.001). After adjusting for years of experience, female faculty remained less likely to hold university positions and had lower publication counts and H-index than male faculty (all p<0.001).

Our investigation highlights manel presence in gynecologic surgery congresses across France and Europe. Women underrepresentation in academic congregations underscores the need for gynecological societies to promote gender equality. As the medical domain becomes more gender-diverse, it is paramount for professional platforms to promote this shift towards inclusivity.