Gender perspective in the workplace: The experience of women medical doctors

Abstract

Background. Women are a considerable part of the population and contribute to every facet of life with significant
participation in all professions, however, despite such advancements by women, there is still a gender bias in all walks
of life including the medical field. This study aimed to evaluate the opportunities, challenges, and job satisfaction of
women doctors in the workplace.
Methodology. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted among 165 women medical doctors living in
Rivers State, Nigeria. Data was collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire and results have been
reported as frequencies and percentages for categorical variables.
Results. Of the 165 women recruited, 62(37.6%) were working as resident doctors, 43(26.1%) were medical officers
and 42(25.5%) consultants. Only 85(51.5%) women reported global satisfaction in their workplace while 69(41.8%)
admitted to career satisfaction. Most of the respondents agree that their career has limited the time available to spend
with their family (74.5%) and their friends (78.2%) outside their working environment. The greatest challenges
perceived at work include poor work-life balance in 123(74.5%) and lack of career advancement opportunities in
46(27.9%) respondents. While 112 women doctors (67.9%) had experienced insubordination from a junior male
colleague in the workplace, 75(45.5%) had experienced some form of physical violence in the workplace (from staff or
patients). One hundred and twenty women (72.7%) had experienced some sort of sexual harassment from both their
male colleagues and male patients in the workplace, with 11(6.7%) reporting frequent sexual harassment from their
male colleagues.
Conclusion. Gender disparities and bias do exist in the medical field and should be discouraged at every level. When
there is a positive organizational culture and supportive environment at work, women medical professionals can offer
excellent medical care and break both clinical and academic glass ceilings.