Challenges for the female academic during the COVID-19 pandemic

Science and innovation benefit from diversity. However, as the global community fights COVID-19, the productivity and scientific output of female academics are disproportionately affected, leading to loss of women's scientific expertise from the public realm.Women comprise 70% of the global health workforce and more than 50% of medical graduates in many countries. Despite this, women and gender minorities remain underrepresented in medical leadership. Only 22% of full professors in American medical schools1 and 23% in Europe2 are women. Women of colour are particularly underrepresented; only 0·5% of full professors in American medical schools are Black women.1 Academic publishing is essential to career advancement. Women's first authorship in major medical journals has increased from 27% to 37% (1994–2014).3 Yet, COVID-19 is threatening progress by amplifying existing gender disparities.