Gender representation on journal editorial boards in the field of veterinary sciences. (November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Althea; Dunlop, Rebecca; Allavena, Rachel; Palmieri, Chiara
• Is Part Of: Research in veterinary science. Volume 148(2022)
• Page Start: 21
• Page End: 26
• Publication Date: 2022-11
• Subjects: Gender -- Veterinary science -- Editorship -- Journal; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Veterinary Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine vétérinaire -- Périodiques; Médecine vétérinaire -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Diergeneeskunde; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.05.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0034-5288

Abstract

Abstract: Despite the increased entry of women into the veterinary profession over the past several decades, women remain substantially underrepresented in senior leadership positions. This may include editorial positions at veterinary sciences journals. This study examines the gender distribution of editorships of 143 journals from the Thomson Reuters Web of Knowledge Journal Citation Reports category of veterinary science. The gender analysis was performed by impact factor, editorial board role, country and publisher. Females were underrepresented in the group of managing editors (32.2% females vs 67.2% males), editors (34.5% females vs 65.1% males) and others (33.3% females vs. 65.4% males). The journal impact factor did not have a significant impact on the proportion of males versus females on the editorial board. The median publisher had 27.5% editorships belonging to women. North America Europe and Oceania showed the greatest representation of women on editorial boards. Our findings provide the first measure of gender distribution on editorial boards in the veterinary sciences and may stimulate a discussion on the current situation of women in academic positions and, in particular, on editorial boards. Further research should investigate the underlying causes contributing to this aspect of gender inequality and identify possible strategies to encourage a greater participation of women to editorial boards. Highlights: Women are underrepresented in senior leadership positions. Less women occupy editorial positions in veterinary science journals. Gender distribution on editorial board varies according to publishers and countries. Possible strategies for a greater participation of women are required.