Supporting Women in Gastroenterology Committee (Retired 2026)
SWiG committee and ED&I Working Group are coming together to strengthen inclusion across the ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø
As Chair of ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Supporting Women in Gastroenterology (SWiG), I am pleased to announce that, with the support of ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Council, SWiG and ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) working group will be coming together as one group. This marks an exciting next chapter for SWiG, building on the progress already made in supporting women in gastroenterology while broadening our work to better represent minority and underrepresented groups across our profession.
There is much to celebrate in how far SWiG has come. We have seen encouraging progress towards greater gender representation within ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø, with women comprising 40% of ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø membership in 2025 (compared to 58% men). SWiG has maintained a strong and visible presence through our annual symposium at ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Live conference, webinars and quarterly newsletters. Other successes include the development of the Diverse Speaker list and we are currently leading the development of guidance for pregnant endoscopists, in collaboration with colleagues across other ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø committees.
While we are proud of these achievements, our work has continued to evolve. Increasingly, our events have sought to reflect not only women, but the wider diversity of ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø membership. We recognise that inequalities within our profession can intersect, and that colleagues from minority and other underrepresented groups may face similar barriers to opportunity, progression and belonging.
Ultimately, the ambitions of SWiG and ED&I are closely aligned: we want every ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø member, regardless of gender or background, to have the opportunity to flourish. By coming together, we can build on existing foundations, broaden our reach and strengthen our collective voice in creating a more inclusive and representative ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø.
This merger does not represent the end of SWiG’s work, but its next chapter – celebrating how far we have come while recognising that there is more to do. We look forward to continuing this work together, championing women, minority and underrepresented groups across the ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø.
Dr Stephanie Poo
Chair, ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Supporting Women in Gastroenterology (SWiG) Committee