Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are fundamental human values and a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world, and are part of goals # 3, 5, 10 of the United Nations “Sustainable Development Goals” programme.
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee seeks to create global awareness of the importance and impact of DEI in anaesthesiology and to develop strategies and advocate for stronger DEI in the anaesthesia workforce.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in the WFSA
The under-representation of female anaesthesiologists in decision-making and governance bodies worldwide was the main concern of the Gender Balance Ad Hoc Committee launched by the WFSA in 2018.
This committee succeeded in increasing the awareness of gender inequality, which resulted in raising the female representation in the WFSA bodies from 29% in 2016 to 43% in 2020, and the proportion of female speakers to WCA from 14% in 2016 to over 39% in 2021.
An increasing number of Member Societies have also launched their own local Gender Balance or DEI Committees.
WFSA encourages fair and equitable delivery of safe healthcare across populations, values diversity among individuals and within Member Societies, and strives for inclusiveness within the organization and its membership.
Acknowledging that there is still a long way to go in order to achieve broader DEI implementation in anaesthesiology, the WFSA Board approved the name change and transformation of the ad hoc committee into a permanent DEI Committee in December 2021.
The aims of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee are:
- Global Awareness and Education: The committee aims to raise global awareness about the importance of DEI in anaesthesiology, including DEI principles and the benefits of a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Evaluate and Promote DEI: The committee evaluates the current state of DEI within the WFSA and broader anaesthesiology organisations and departments. It investigates factors that may influence or hinder the implementation of DEI practices and develops strategies to bridge gaps and promote greater inclusivity.
- Policy and Practice Recommendations: The committee strives to make recommendations to ensure fair and equitable delivery of safe healthcare. It works to eliminate discrimination in employment practices, policies, and procedures within the WFSA and among its member societies.
- Supporting Local DEI Initiatives: Few member societies of the WFSA have launched their own local DEI committees. The WFSA’s DEI Committee supports these initiatives, sharing best practices and encouraging the establishment of similar efforts in other regions.
- Monitoring Progress: The committee monitors progress towards achieving greater gender balance and overall DEI within the field. This includes tracking changes in representation in WFSA bodies and at WFSA events, such as the World Congress of Anaesthesiologists.
- Inclusive Participation: By encouraging diverse representation and participation in its own ranks and at its events, the WFSA’s DEI Committee seeks to model the principles it advocates, fostering an environment where all members feel valued and can contribute effectively.
- Research & Educational Programmes: It encourages DEI research among member societies and promotes supports and organise activities pertinent to DEI issues.
2024-2026 DEI Committee Activities:
- Webinars:
- The ageing anaesthesiologist: we need a strategy (August 2024)
- Inspiring change: Women leading the future of anaesthesia and science (February 2025)
- International Women’s Day 2025: The power of mentorship in bridging the gender gap in anaesthesia
Additional Resources:
Committee members:
| Chair | |
| Vojislava Neskovic | Serbia |
| Africa and the Middle East | |
| Gladness Dekalo Nethathe | South Africa |
| Hazel Mumphansha | Zambia |
| Patricia Yazbeck | Lebanon |
| Asia | |
| K Sailaja | India |
| Seokyung Shin | Korea |
| Serabi Tanabe | Japan |
| Annemarie Chrysantia Melati | Indonesia |
| Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands | |
| David Pescod | Australia |
| Central and South America, Mexico and the Caribbean Islands | |
| Maria Ximena Dominguez Garcia | Argentina |
| Europe | |
| Hulya Turkan | Turkey |
| North America | |
| Aldo Espinosa | Canada |
