This networking event was attended by about 60 people, mostly women from different countries but also by several men. It was a very inspiring session, in which three successful women shared their professional and personal experience as neurologists.
Prof. N. Birouk, the current President of the Moroccan Society of Neurology, talked about the situation of the neurologists and her country. Almost 60% Moroccan neurologists are women, who do not feel discriminated because of gender. They work hard and often have to deal with challenges related to economical issues. They are well integrated in the Society and the local environment, helping each other with networking and the strong support of the Moroccan Society. The Neurology Society has made several remarkable achievements in Morocco, in particularly promoting education at all levels. Women are extremely well present in the Society and very active.
Prof. E. Lebedeva directs the international Headache Center “Europe-Asia” in Yekaterinburg, Russia. She gave a passionate talk about her “recipe” to be successful as neurologist, sharing her personal challenges and achievements. She pointed out on the need to have passion, keep updated in all the neurology fields, be connected with the European colleagues, have good mentors, and learn how to speak and write in English.
Prof. G. Waldemar is the only woman who is a Honorary member of the EAN. She is the coordinating professor of the Neuroscience Center of the University of Copenhagen. She is a leader role model for her numerous achievements. She stressed the challenges that women have both at the beginning and towards the end of their career, as mothers first and as family main caregivers later. She has also been guided in her decisions by common sense, working hard, and values. In particular, her values are transparency, professionalism and being able to delegate.
The attendees participated actively to the discussion and made several comments and contribution. There was also the suggestion to keep a sort of networking between women neurologist and possibly have a working group on Neurology in Women.
We are looking forward another similar event next year in Amsterdam.
On behalf of the three Chairs,
Elena Moro
Antonella Macerollo
Marianne de Visser
