<p>Vascular surgery is a&#xa0;diverse and fascinating speciality that can be associated with physically and psychologically challenging working conditions. Despite the efforts of the specialist societies even in 2026 traditional gender roles in combination with other structural aspects largely favor traditional career pathways of male surgeons. With rising numbers of female medical students the proportion of women among future surgeons is also growing. The recruitment and binding of talented female surgeons to address workforce shortage and close the gender gap should be prioritized.</p><p>In Switzerland 63% of doctor diplomas in 2024 were attained by women. Among trainees in the specialty of vascular surgery in the same year 46.3% were women. Among the doctors with board certification in vascular surgery 25.2% were female and 9.5% of heads of departments in Switzerland were female. Regarding new board certifications in vascular surgery in 2024, 50% were attained by women.</p><p>Efforts of respective hospitals to encourage women and foster diversity in the healthcare system already exist in Switzerland; however, programs specifically addressing female surgeons are lacking. Generally, the promotion of female vascular surgeons is also on the agenda of surgical societies globally with respective programs and sections within the societies. A&#xa0;future focus of these programs should be set on promoting women in leadership positions. Due to the increasing numbers of female medical students and surgeons, increasing attractiveness as a&#xa0;specialty is highly important for the field of vascular surgery. To retain and attract highly skilled professionals, career pathways in vascular surgery should be open and accessible independent of gender.</p>