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Women of ERA Task Force

Women of ERA Task Force

About us

The main purpose of the Women of ERA (WERA) Task Force is to raise awareness of gender balance in nephrology, and the importance of encouraging female nephrologists to actively contribute to scientific research and dissemination through their participation in educational events (congresses, CME, e-seminars) as speakers.

The WERA Task Force, in cooperation with the Electronic Communication Committee (ECC) of the ERA, promotes specific awareness campaigns and could organise, in collaboration with the Chair of the Scientific Committee of the ERA Congress, a special session about women in nephrology at the ERA annual Congress.

Contacts & Resources

ERAC & ENDI Grants for Oxford Leadership Programmes

The WERA Task Force, thanks to the ERA Curatorium and the ENDI Foundation, supports the training of female professionists working in the nephrology field and future leaders by offering six grants to attend courses in Oxford:

  • three for the Women Transforming Leadership Programme
  • three for the Oxford Healthcare Leadership Programme

Further details

This specific call is open only for the courses to be held in October 2025. It is open from April 1 to June 15, 2025, at midday

IMPORTANT: Candidates MUST apply to Oxford first and only then submit their application to ERA, always considering the deadlines.

Gender balance in nephrology

The WERA Task Force conducted a survey to assess awareness of gender balance within the field of nephrology. This survey aimed to gather insights into the experiences, challenges, and perspectives of nephrology professionals, with a particular focus on gender equity, career development, and work-life balance.

The survey was open to all nephrology professionals, regardless of gender, as achieving genuine gender equity requires the input and perspectives of everyone in the field.

Shape

What are the main missions of the Women of ERA Task Force?

Time for action

EDUCATION

Raise awareness of gender balance within the ERA nephrology community.

Promote confidence and leadership among women in ERA, including mentorship programmes.

Disseminate positive stories of women’s leadership and scientific growth within ERA.

SCIENCE

Investigate possible causes contributing to inequalities in gender balance.

Promote and disseminate scientific interest and research in sex disparities in nephrology/kidney diseases (collaboration/common projects with other working groups addressing sex disparities).

NETWORKING

Work with the ERA Council to balance the representation of women within the Society in working groups and meetings.

Create networking opportunities for women in nephrology within ERA and worldwide.

Liaise with National Societies to understand differences across Europe.

ACTIONS

Promote fellowships for women who have suffered a setback in their scientific careers due to time spent on maternity leave or caring for young children.

Promote initiatives to facilitate participation in the ERA Congress for pregnant women or women with young children.

Shape

Overcoming Impostor Syndrome

Task Force Members

Lucia Del Vecchio

Lucia Del Vecchio

Chair
Italy

Olga Balafa, Greece

Ana Garcia-Prieto, Spain

Magdalena Jankowska, Poland

Nilufar Mohebbi, Switzerland

Amaryllis Van Craenenbroeck, Belgium