The proportion of women entering psychiatry is gradually increasing and among psychiatrists in clinical leadership positions women comprise an increasing proportion.

Yet few women are taking up leadership positions in international professional organisations. These organisations aim at e.g.

• improving the care for the mentally ill

• promoting parity in the provision of care to the mentally ill

• preserving the rights of these patients and

• protecting the rights of psychiatrists.

All areas where the input of women may contribute significantly to the outcome of any intervention.

Other key domains relate to:

• the development of ethical standards and procedures how to monitor their observance.

• the growth of educational programs to be offered globally

• the mentorship of junior colleagues or colleagues working in professional isolation

The need to develop strategies to overcome the inner as well as outer obstacles preventing women from due representation in these organisations will be discussed and suggestions for strategies to overcome the obstacles outlined.