Gender Disparity in Editorial Leadership: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Global Infectious Disease Journals

Aim: The representation of women in major medical journals, particularly those publishing in the field of infectious diseases, is important for evaluating gender equity in academia. This study examined the gender distribution of editorial boards in international medical journals, with a specific focus on infectious disease journals. Methods: Medical journals were identified using the SCImago Journal & Country Rank database. A total of 262 journals and 12,142 editorial board members were analyzed. Gender data were collected through official journal websites and institutional profiles. Results: Among all editorial board members, 3,575 (29.4%) were identified as women. Only 45 (17.2%) women held editor-in-chief positions. In infectious disease journals, the proportion of female editors was 30.8% (n=1,525), which was similar to other specialties (p=0.230). Across all fields, male editors outnumbered female editors. Conclusion: This large-scale study demonstrates a clear male predominance in editorial leadership of high-impact medical journals, particularly in the field of infectious diseases. Although female representation was higher in certain specialties, women did not constitute the majority in any field. Efforts to promote gender equity in academic leadership remain essential.