The History of WATOG
From an Idea to a Global Network of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Trainees The World Association of Trainees in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (WATOG) was created from a simple but important idea: to connect young obstetricians and gynaecologists across countries, encourage collaboration and ensure that trainees have a stronger voice in the future of the profession. The idea emerged in France when young doctors recognised the value of creating an international organisation for OB/GYN trainees. The proposal received support from the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) and other senior professional organisations. The Beginning The first formal proposal for WATOG was submitted on 10 November 2008 to Professor Dorothy Shaw, then President of FIGO. Over the following years, the founding team worked with FIGO representatives and international OB/GYN organisations to develop the concept, establish its structure and build support for an international trainee network. WATOG Is Founded A defining moment came on 7 October 2012 in Rome, Italy, during the first WATOG General Assembly. Representatives of young OB/GYN professionals from 73 countries unanimously supported the establishment of WATOG. A first Executive Board was elected, representing six major geographical regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Oceania/Australia. The founding of WATOG created a formal platform through which trainees could connect across borders, exchange knowledge and work towards stronger training and professional development. Growing the Network Following its establishment, WATOG focused on strengthening its international network and supporting the development of national and regional trainee associations. The Second General Assembly was held in Vancouver in 2015, alongside the FIGO World Congress. The Third General Assembly followed in Rio de Janeiro in 2018, where new officers and Executive Committee members were elected for the 2018–2021 period. By early 2019, WATOG reported contacts in 89 countries. By 2021, WATOG reported representation across 100 countries, connecting more than 100,000 OB/GYN trainees worldwide. A Commitment to Education, Research and Collaboration Throughout its development, WATOG has maintained a focus on improving access to education, facilitating international exchange and supporting the involvement of trainees in issues affecting reproductive and women’s health. This mission has increasingly included research collaboration. In 2025, a WATOG special collection in the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics brought together 25 trainee-led research papers from 13 countries, demonstrating the organisation’s continuing commitment to supporting young researchers and international academic collaboration. WATOG has also contributed to global assessments of OB/GYN training. A survey conducted between 2017 and 2019 collected responses from 1,038 participants across seven global regions, examining different aspects of postgraduate OB/GYN training. Looking Ahead From its beginnings as an idea among young doctors in France to an international network connecting OB/GYN trainees across the world, WATOG has continued to evolve around a common purpose: connecting the next generation of obstetrics and gynaecology professionals. WATOG Africa builds on this wider history by creating opportunities for trainees and young professionals across the continent to learn, collaborate, conduct research, exchange clinical experiences and build lasting professional networks. The journey continues — with a growing generation of professionals working together to shape the future of obstetrics and gynaecology. WATOG Africa Connecting. Learning. Collaborating. Contributing.