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The hands that nurture and heal humanity often bear silent scars.
A grip so tight that bruises mark their territory,
Yet, does it deter her from fulfilling her calling?
No. She rises, fueled by courage, and dedicates herself to saving lives.
Women are indispensable in the health sector, forming 67–70% of the global workforce in roles such as nursing, medicine, mental health, pharmacy, dentistry, and community health work. Despite their majority, the challenges and hardships faced by women in this field are often overlooked.
The Gender Disparity in Healthcare
The rise of feminism and societal progress has led to a commendable increase in the percentage of women in healthcare. However, this progress reveals only the surface of deeper systemic issues. Women in healthcare face a persistent gender pay gap, earning an average of 24% less than their male counterparts, even while dominating the workforce.
In addition to wage inequality, women are frequently viewed as secondary players in the health sector. Their contributions are underrepresented, their efforts overlooked, and their hard work often goes unrecognized.
The Dark Reality: Harassment and Lack of Protection
Instances of harassment and violence against women in healthcare are alarmingly common. From a resident doctor being raped and murdered to daily reports of harassment by patients, their families, or even colleagues, these incidents underscore a severe lack of protection and accountability. Many healthcare facilities globally fail to implement adequate laws safeguarding workers from such threats, creating an unsafe and demoralizing work environment.
This fear of retaliation or job loss silences many women, allowing a culture of abuse to persist. Women are often discouraged from reporting such incidents, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and fear.
Barriers to Advancement
Despite women constituting the majority of the healthcare workforce, leadership roles remain largely male-dominated. Nepotism further compounds this disparity, with influential connections often overriding merit and skill. Women frequently find their opportunities limited, not because of their capabilities, but due to systemic biases and discriminatory practices.
The Impact on Women’s Health
The intense demands of healthcare work take a significant toll on women’s physical and mental health. Long hours, high-stress situations, and lack of recognition lead to anxiety, depression, and even panic attacks. Chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance, worsening symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and causing irregular menstrual cycles. Other stress-related issues include digestive problems, headaches, migraines, and cognitive impairment, often exacerbated by sleep deprivation.
Balancing the dual responsibilities of career and family adds another layer of strain. While family care should be a shared responsibility, societal norms often place this burden disproportionately on women, leaving them overwhelmed and exhausted.
A Call for Change
The healthcare sector, though rewarding, is physically and emotionally taxing. For women, the added burden of wage disparities, harassment, lack of opportunities, and insufficient recognition threatens their longevity in the field. Given that women make up 70% of the global healthcare workforce, their well-being and empowerment are critical to the sector’s sustainability.
Addressing these issues requires systemic changes:
- Enforcing stricter laws against harassment and violence in the workplace.
- Promoting equal pay and recognition for women’s contributions.
- Increasing female representation in leadership roles.
- Offering mental health support and creating a more inclusive work environment.
- Advocating for shared responsibilities in personal and professional spheres.
Conclusion: Women as Pillars of Healthcare
Women are the backbone of the healthcare sector, tirelessly working to sustain its functions and save countless lives. Yet, their contributions often remain in the shadows, overshadowed by systemic issues and societal biases. Recognizing their value and addressing the barriers they face is not just a moral imperative but a practical necessity for the progress of global healthcare.
A future where women in healthcare receive the respect, protection, and opportunities they deserve is possible. It requires collective efforts from governments, institutions, and individuals to ensure equity and support. When women are empowered, the entire healthcare system flourishes, paving the way for a healthier and more equitable world.