Advancing Gender Equity in Surgery: The ACS-COSECSA Women Scholars Program

Globally, women remain underrepresented in surgery, particularly in low—and middle-income countries (LMICs) where access to surgical training is limited. The American College of Surgeons (ACS), through the ACS H.O.P.E. (Health Outreach Program for Equity), is committed to addressing this disparity by fostering opportunities for women in surgical training.

In partnership with the Association of Women Surgeons (AWS) Foundation, the ACS-College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA) Women Scholars Program provides financial support to women surgical trainees in East, Central, and Southern Africa. It helps to cover accreditation fees, fellowship examination costs, and travel to the COSECSA annual meeting.

Since its launch in 2017, this program has played a pivotal role in increasing the number of women surgeons in sub-Saharan Africa, where the surgeon-to-population ratio remains critically low. Scholarship recipients have overcome significant barriers—balancing training, family responsibilities, and financial constraints—to succeed professionally as certified COSECSA fellows. Many past awardees have become leaders in surgery, serving as mentors, advocates, and pioneers in their specialties.

By investing in the next generation of women surgeons, ACS and COSECSA are strengthening surgical capacity and promoting gender equity in global surgery.

Join us in supporting women in surgery by visiting the ACS Foundation page below and supporting ACS H.O.P.E.

ACS Bulletin

Global Collaborations Help Expand Surgical Workforce Opportunities for Women