The BSGE has launched a mission statement on race and gender equality. Honorary Secretary Donna Ghosh announced the new statement to members on Monday, November 25th saying:

At the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (BSGE) we are proud of the diversity represented within our society and are dedicated to ensuring inclusivity and opportunity for all our members. Recent Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) reports have highlighted difficulties and bias faced by members based on many factors including gender and race. The RCOG workforce report identifies that Obstetrics and Gynaecology has the highest number of female trainees (61%) of any speciality within medicine. Amongst these, there is a disproportionately low number of females completing surgical subspecialties, such as advanced laparoscopy, beyond that of the expected gender divide. Similar disparities are seen in the 2023 GMC workforce report highlighting the lowest proportion of female doctors were seen within general surgery. We also acknowledge that racial discrimination can also be also experienced. The 2024 RCOG Experiences of racism and discrimination document identified that 41% of respondents stated ethnic background hampered their career progression. As the largest specialist surgical society of the RCOG it is our responsibility to try to understand and address the barriers to under-representation that exist within the field of gynaecological surgery. Our BSGE mission statement on gender and racial equality is to ensure: All members feel represented and are encouraged to participate within the core of our society. The society will recognise expertise and achievement in surgery, research and education, across gender and race and promote this through the forum of conferences, meetings and other educational events. That we provide a platform for mentorship of members of all genders and ethnicity in gynaecological endoscopy. That we identify, discuss, and address the gender and racial-specific challenges faced within gynaecological endoscopy. We acknowledge the multifaceted influences that affect personal career decisions, and many trainees choose not to embark on a surgical career. However, we are clear that this decision should not be due to lack of opportunity, representation or discrimination. We, The BSGE, are committed to ensuring that the journey of those who choose to pursue a career in gynaecological endoscopy, contributing to our inclusive society, remains equitable and supported.