LAUSR

BACKGROUND Women have been a minority in neurosurgery since the foundation of the specialty. Women who choose to pursue neurosurgery or advance in their career must overcome various obstacles. In this article, we discuss the proportion of women in neurosurgery globally and the obstacles they face, as well as the solutions being implemented. METHODS A systematic review of studies concerning international women in neurosurgery was conducted. Article inclusion was assessed based on relevance to women of neurosurgery, geographic region, date, and classification (rates/data, barriers, or solutions). RESULTS From the specified search, a total of 127 articles were retrieved, and 27 met inclusion criteria. Out of the total, 25 countries were represented and discussed by the articles. Primary classification of articles resulted in 50 for data/rates, 22 for barriers, and 17 for possible solutions. DISCUSSION Despite cultural differences between unique regions of the globe, women face similar challenges when pursuing neurosurgery, such as difficulty advancing their careers, balancing duties at work and at home, meeting social and cultural expectations, and finding support and mentorship. Encouragingly, there are already measures being implemented worldwide to allow women to fulfill their multiple other roles through maternity leave policies, increasing their access to mentors, and enabling promotions throughout their careers. CONCLUSION With the shortage of neurosurgeons in many regions of the world, the recruitment of female neurosurgeons plays a vital role in meeting those demands. Our cultures and professional societies should celebrate their inclusion and promotion, and accommodate the complex role of women as neurosurgeons, mothers, partners, scientists, and leaders.