GMKA’s "Women in Medicine" Initiative Celebrates One Year of Impact
In 2024, the Global Medical Knowledge Alliance (GMKA) launched “Women in Surgery,” Ukraine’s first initiative to support, advocate for, and mentor women physicians, medical students, and residents in surgery. Over the past year, the program has evolved into “Women in Medicine,” expanding to include women across all medical specialties.
Today, our community has grown to nearly 2,000 members, bringing together doctors, interns, medical students, public figures, and business leaders. We have conducted pioneering research, hosted landmark events, and built a strong network dedicated to advancing gender equality in medicine. By providing women with the resources, support, and opportunities to lead, we are shaping the future of Ukrainian healthcare.
Key Milestones of “Women in Medicine”
Gender Disparity in Surgery in Ukraine: A Nationwide Survey
One of our most impactful achievements was conducting Ukraine’s first nationwide study on gender disparity in surgery. This research shed light on the barriers female surgeons face, including discrimination, sexual objectification, and harassment throughout their education, residency, and professional careers. The findings were striking:
- 92.1% of female surgeons reported that patients assumed they were nurses rather than doctors.
- 80% encountered the stereotype that surgery is a “man’s profession.”
- 54.4% faced doubts about their skills from patients due to their gender but remained resolute in their career choice.
This data underscores the urgent need for structural change, and we are using these insights to advocate for policies that support women’s advancement in the field.
First National Forum "Women in Medicine: Professional Growth and Leadership"
Another milestone was our co-hosting of Ukraine’s first National Forum “Women in Medicine: Professional Growth and Leadership”. Held in collaboration with Razom for Ukraine, a leading Ukrainian-American human rights organization, the forum gathered over 300 participants and 42 distinguished speakers, including:
- Dr. Ulana Suprun, Former Acting Minister of Health of Ukraine (2016–2019)
- Inna Sovsun, Member of Parliament
- Pavlo Kovtonyuk, Co-founder of the Ukrainian Healthcare Center (UHC)
- Dr. Mariia Kukushkina, Oncologic Surgeon and Oncodermatologist
- Vasyl Strilka, Director of the Department of High-Tech Medical Care and Innovations at the Ministry of Health of Ukraine
- Evelina Kurilets, Executive Director of Razom for Ukraine
This forum provided a powerful platform for dialogue, networking, and action, bringing together decision-makers committed to transforming Ukraine’s healthcare system and building a more equitable future.
Education and Professional Growth
Education and professional development have remained at the heart of our initiative. Over the past year, we:
- Hosted nine webinars featuring career development insights from industry professionals, all available on our YouTube channel.
- Launched an English Speaking Club, where medical professionals improved their language skills under the guidance of certified instructors.
- Collaborated with experts in psychology and law to develop a series of resources providing psychological and legal support for women in medicine.
Our work has gained recognition in Ukrainian media, and this growing visibility has been instrumental in securing vital support. Notably, we received a grant from the Civil Society Hubs Network in Ukraine, aimed at strengthening emerging NGOs and initiatives.
Additionally, we formed an information partnership with UNFPA Ukraine, a leading UN agency focused on gender equality, reproductive health, and youth empowerment.
Join Us in Creating Lasting Change
As we celebrate our first year of impact, we invite you to support the mission of GMKA: Women in Medicine. Your involvement — whether through donations, mentorship, or advocacy — will help shape the future of women in medicine and drive systemic change. Together, we can build a healthcare system where women lead, innovate, and thrive.