Mission
The American Medical Women’s Association Gender Equity Task Force (AMWA GETF) strives to accomplish gender equity as a fact of life in society, and to engage in activities, action and collaborations pursuant to this goal, beginning with the healthcare industry of which women physicians are one component.
Our Position
AMWA affirms that gender equity is a fundamental human right. Under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and U.S. civil rights laws, women in medicine are entitled to full equality, freedom from discrimination, and the ability to seek redress when their rights are violated.
In practice, however, women who speak up about inequity often face retaliation—ranging from subtle exclusion to unfair evaluations, loss of opportunities, damage to reputation, job loss, or worse. These actions are unethical, unlawful, and cause lasting harm.
There must be zero tolerance for gender stereotyping, harassment, pay inequity, retaliation, or any practice that creates a hostile work or learning environment. Such behavior undermines the well-being of physicians and ultimately the quality of patient care.
We believe every institution, leader, educator, and colleague in medicine has a responsibility to ensure that gender equity is not aspirational—but a lived reality for all.
References: Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) Civil Rights Act, Title VII Equal Employment Opportunity Act, An Overview of Women in Academic Medicine, AAMC Analysis Vol. 6, Number 7 Policy on Creating a Gender Neutral Workplace Respectfully Submitted: Joyce Braak, MD; Linda Brodsky, MD; Roberta Gebhard; Ryan Smith, MS3; Vanessa Coleman, MS1. September 2010
Listen to the GETF Podcast: Our Voices, Our Future
Our Future, Our Voices is the podcast where we amplify the changemakers shaping a more equitable future in medicine and beyond. Presented by the Gender Equity Task Force of the American Medical Women’s Association, this series challenges outdated norms, breaks down barriers, and sparks critical conversations on inclusion and justice. Hosted by Meghan Etsey, Meenu Immaneni, Laura Uricoechea and Rhea Manohar, each episode features candid discussions with leaders, advocates, and trailblazers who are pushing the boundaries of equity. No more silence. No more waiting. It’s time to reclaim our future—one voice at a time. Subscribe now and be part of the movement!
Related News
Linda Brodsky Memorial Grant
Empowering medical students and women physicians to lead bold change in healthcare. Apply for up to $10,000 in funding to support research, advocacy, education, or clinical projects that advance gender equity in medicine.
Advancing Gender Equity Together
The Importance of Allyship: AMWA Action Alliance for Equity
AMWA’s Allies for Equity in Medicine brings together diverse supporters to advance gender equity and inclusion in healthcare, with a focus on empowering women in medicine.
Gender Equity in Academic Medicine and Science (GEMS) Alliance
The GEMS Alliance unites organizations to close gender gaps in academic medicine and science, driving equity through education, leadership, specialty representation, and caregiving support.
Revolution by Resolution: Advancing Gender Equity
Revolution by Resolution is a nationwide effort to pass gender equity resolutions in state medical societies, creating policy-driven change to support women in medicine.
Partnership Initiatives
#SponsorHer
The Sponsor Her campaign is a call to action to sponsor women in medicine.
#NeedHerScience
The equitable inclusion of women editors at every level is long overdue. Addressing journal gender bias starts at the top.
#HerTimeIsNow
The Her Time Is Now Campaign is focused on workforce gender equity for women in medicine.
#GiveHerAReasonToStay
This campaign focused on decreasing the exodus of women from medicine and ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.
#InvestInHer
The Invest In Her campaign encouraged stakeholders to invest in recruiting and retaining women physicians.
#MeTooMedicine
The phrase MeToo was first coined by sexual assault survivor and activist Tarana Burke in 2006. It gained traction in 2017 following sexual abuse allegations against Harvey Weinstein in 2017 as a viral hashtag #MeToo as sexual harassment victims came forward to share their stories.
Partnership with Physician Just Equity Webinars
AMWA has partnered with Physician Just Equity on a series of webinars to address workplace challenges, recognizing red flags, and more.
- Mastering the Basics: Foundational Skills for Managing Interpersonal Conflict (March 13, 2025)
- What is Physician Peer Review? Part 2 (April 26, 2023)
- What is Physician Peer Review? Part 1 (April 19. 2023)
- Physician Health Programs (PHPs): A Critical Look Part 2 (March 15, 2023)
- Physician Health Programs (PHPs): A Critical Look Part 1 (March 8, 2023)
- Being a Better Ally – A Call to Action (February 8, 2023)
- I See the Red Flags…Now What? (Aug. 3, 2022)
- Red Flags: How to Identify the First Signs of Trouble at Work (May 25, 2022)
- Know Your Rights (February 15, 2022)