Medical Women's Federation

British organization for women in medicine

Logo of the Medical Women's Federation

The Medical Women's Federation (MWF) is a professional organization in the United Kingdom dedicated to the advancement of women in the field of medicine. Founded in 1917, it is the largest and most influential body of its kind in the UK, advocating for the interests of women doctors and medical students.

History

The Medical Women's Federation was established in 1917, during a time when women were beginning to gain entry into the medical profession in greater numbers. The organization was founded to address the unique challenges faced by women in medicine, including issues of gender discrimination and the need for professional support networks.

Early members of the Medical Women's Federation

The founding members of the MWF were pioneers in their field, many of whom had already achieved significant milestones in their careers. The Federation provided a platform for these women to collaborate, share experiences, and advocate for policy changes that would benefit women in the medical profession.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the Medical Women's Federation include:

• Promoting the personal and professional development of women in medicine.
• Advocating for gender equality within the medical profession.
• Supporting women doctors in achieving leadership roles.
• Addressing issues such as work-life balance, maternity leave, and flexible working arrangements.

Activities

The MWF engages in a variety of activities to support its members and further its objectives. These include:

• Organizing conferences and workshops on topics relevant to women in medicine.
• Providing mentorship and networking opportunities for women doctors and medical students.
• Conducting research and publishing reports on issues affecting women in the medical profession.
• Lobbying for policy changes at the national level to improve conditions for women in medicine.

Membership

Membership in the Medical Women's Federation is open to women doctors and medical students in the UK. The organization offers various membership categories, including full membership for qualified doctors and student membership for those still in training.

Impact

The Medical Women's Federation has played a significant role in advancing the status of women in medicine in the UK. Through its advocacy and support, the MWF has helped to increase the representation of women in leadership positions within the medical profession and has contributed to policy changes that benefit all doctors.

Related pages

• Women in medicine
• Gender equality in the workplace
• History of women in medicine