Introduction
In line with ASA’s commitment to enact its Board-approved Equity and Diversity Policy, this document outlines the current gender composition within the ASA membership and principal committees. Consider this assessment as an initial step toward informing decisions that the Board/Council may consider for implementing the policy.
ASA Membership by Major Category – 2023
State Committees – 2023
ASA NSC committee 2023
General observations
Membership:
- ASA (Ordinary and CAO) 65% male 35% female in 2023, compared to 67% male 33% female in 2022.
- ASA Trainee 55% male 45% female in 2023, compared to 54% male 46% female in 2022.
The current gender breakdown of the ASA membership is reflective of the specialty. The variation between the gender mix of existing members (m 65% f 35%) and the trainee members (m 55% f 45%) is a continuing trend that indicates the likelihood of a rapid change in the composition of the specialty. Importantly ASA is attracting an equal mix of male and female trainees.
Committee membership
- Total members involved 191 – Male 108 (57%) Female 83 (43%)
- In terms of gender, committee composition is reflective of the current membership.
| Committees | Total Members | Male | % | Female | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Board/Council | 21 | 13 | 62 (↓ 5%) | 8 | 38 (↑ 5%) |
| EAC/PIAC/TMG | 50 | 34 | 68 (↓ 2%) | 16 | 32 (↑ 2%) |
| State Committees | 94 | 51 | 62 (↓ 8%) | 43 | 46 (↑ 8%) |
Committee summary 2023:↓↑ Represents the movement from 2022 figures
Conclusions
At present the overall position in terms of leadership (positions on committee) within the ASA reflects the gender mix of the Society and the specialty, notwithstanding significant variations within certain committees. Trends that have been observed over the past few years indicate that there is movement towards a 50/50 gender mix, not only amongst trainees but also amongst ASA leadership positions.
The important consideration is the future. As the trainee membership mix aligns closely with a 50/50 gender mix, the specialty will most likely and in a relatively short period, move to a 50/50 gender mix. As such it would be hoped that the ASA establishes an approach which allows the leadership of the Society to as best as possible reflect that position.
