Medical Women's Federation

General information

The Medical Women's Federation was founded in 1917 and is today the largest and most influential body of women doctors in the UK.

MWF consistently works to change discriminatory attitudes and practices. MWF provides a unique network of women doctors in all branches of the profession, and at all stages from medical students to senior consultants. We aim to achieve real equality by providing practical, personal help from members who know the hurdles and have overcome them.

Achievements
MWF has campaigned for many years for:

• removal of limits on numbers of women entering medical school.

• a retainer and returner scheme for hospital and general practice which allows doctors to keep in touch with medicine during periods of limited work and to return after a break

• the development and acceptance of flexible training schemes and flexible working patterns at all levels of the profession

• recognition and fair treatment of sessional doctors in general practice

• the need for continuing medical education and a proper career structure for non-consultant hospital career grade practitioners

• family-friendly employment policies and childcare tax relief

• proper treatment for women who suffer sexual abuse or domestic violence

• abolition of female genital mutilation

• ensuring the needs of women patients and women doctors are considered in the planning and development of services

• ensuring women doctors are active in professional life - MWF members are active in a large range of organisations, including the Royal Colleges, BMA, GMC, Local Medical Committees and Postgraduate Deaneries.

Much progress has been made, but much more remains to be done!

Follow the links above to find out more about Who's Who, MWF's history and key facts and figures demonstrating why there is still a need for the MWF. Click on the tab on the left to read the MWF's Manifesto.