Do mentoring programmes influence women’s careers in the health and medical research sector? A mixed-methods evaluation of Australia’s Franklin Women Mentoring Programme

Vassallo, Amy; Walker, Karen; Georgousakis, Melina; Joshi, Rohina

doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-052560

Cited by 14 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…This effort can also be amplified by journal support and institutional policies for gender equity in high ranking authorship and leadership positions known to reduce discrepancies. 44 Our findings echo similar observations on the empowerment of female scientists in Africa. 45 A greater emphasis on gender inclusivity in African cancer research would also help address some of the major gaps in the treatment of women’s cancers across the continent.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

“…This suggests a lot more advocacy is needed to create enabling environments to support and promote gender equity in many African countries. This effort can also be amplified by journal support and institutional policies for gender equity in high ranking authorship and leadership positions known to reduce discrepancies 44. Our findings echo similar observations on the empowerment of female scientists in Africa 45.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 85%

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Cancer research across Africa: a comparative bibliometric analysis

et al. 2022

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IntroductionResearch is a critical pillar in national cancer control planning. However, there is a dearth of evidence for countries to implement affordable strategies. The WHO and various Commissions have recommended developing stakeholder-based needs assessments based on objective data to generate evidence to inform national and regional prioritisation of cancer research needs and goals.MethodologyBibliometric algorithms (macros) were developed and validated to assess cancer research outputs of all 54 African countries over a 12-year period (2009–2020). Subanalysis included collaboration patterns, site and domain-specific focus of research and understanding authorship dynamics by both position and sex. Detailed subanalysis was performed to understand multiple impact metrics and context relative outputs in comparison with the disease burden as well as the application of a funding thesaurus to determine funding resources.ResultsAfrican countries in total published 23 679 cancer research papers over the 12-year period (2009–2020) with the fractional African contribution totalling 16 201 papers and the remaining 7478 from authors from out with the continent. The total number of papers increased rapidly with time, with an annual growth rate of 15%. The 49 sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries together published just 5281 papers, of which South Africa’s contribution was 2206 (42% of the SSA total, 14% of all Africa) and Nigeria’s contribution was 997 (19% of the SSA total, 4% of all Africa). Cancer research accounted for 7.9% of all African biomedical research outputs (African research in infectious diseases was 5.1 times than that of cancer research). Research outputs that are proportionally low relative to their burden across Africa are paediatric, cervical, oesophageal and prostate cancer. African research mirrored that of Western countries in terms of its focus on discovery science and pharmaceutical research. The percentages of female researchers in Africa were comparable with those elsewhere, but only in North African and some Anglophone countries.ConclusionsThere is an imbalance in relevant local research generation on the continent and cancer control efforts. The recommendations articulated in our five-point plan arising from these data are broadly focused on structural changes, for example, overt inclusion of research into national cancer control planning and financial, for example, for countries to spend 10% of a notional 1% gross domestic expenditure on research and development on cancer.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 85%

Cancer research across Africa: a comparative bibliometric analysis

et al. 2022

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“…The Franklin Women Mentoring Program is specifically targeted to mid-career women mentees, based on evidence that this is the stage of career in health-related disciplines where women stagnate or are lost. 6 The Program engages mentors of any gender who are in senior leadership positions. Together they go through 6-months of facilitated workshops as well as informal mentee-mentor meetings.…”

Section: The Franklin Women Experiencementioning

confidence: 99%

“…A full overview of the Program is provided in the mixed-method outcome evaluation which reports on outcomes of participation cited by mentees and mentors; together indicating the Program is meeting its intended aims (Box 1). 6 There are a number of qualities of the Program which have been critical to its effectiveness as a gender-equity initiative:…”

Section: The Franklin Women Experiencementioning

confidence: 99%

Mentoring to address the gender gap: The Franklin Women's experience

Georgousakis

Vassallo

2023

J Med Imag Rad Onc

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“…While mentorship and leadership programmes are available to some through RANZCR, these are not focused specifically on DEI. Elements of programmes, which harness the potential of emerging women leaders, such as the Franklin Women Mentoring Program, 32 could be incorporated. Sponsorship, the public support of a colleague by an influential person from within the institution, can also play an integral role in career advancement 33 .…”

Section: Jurisdiction Number Of Women Directors (% Of Total)mentioning

confidence: 99%