Striving for equity: exploring gender-inclusive medical leadership in India

Abstract

Introduction: There is a notable gap in studies examining the impact of gender within sociocultural norms in non-western professional settings, especially concerning the well-being of women physicians.

Methods: Using purposive sampling and thematic data analysis, we recorded interviews with 30 physicians in India during May–July 2023. Participants were aged 34 to 65 years, with experience ranging from five to 35 years, in various clinical (37%), surgical (30%), paraclinical (23%) and hospital administration (10%) roles, 97% were postgraduates and 53% were women. The research questions explored how leadership roles happened, managing key challenges, barriers and enablers, and practical interventions to support women into medical leadership positions.

Results: Findings revealed that the majority of interviewees believed gender-related barriers were obstructing women’s progress and success in medical leadership roles in India. These barriers were identified within three overarching domains: (1) specialty, (2) organisational and (3) sociocultural. Interviewees commonly acknowledged the male-dominated landscape of medical leadership although some women stated that they did not perceive any barriers for women’s advancement into leadership roles. Interestingly, some men surgeons held the perception that women might not be as effective in certain surgical disciplines, such as orthopaedics and neurosurgery. Some men physicians, however, considered women physicians in India to be highly effective multitaskers.

Conclusion: We recommend structural reforms in medical education, leadership development, workplace systems and cultures, and improved implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion policies in the Indian context.