Silent Struggles: Everyday Stories Of Women Doctors
Aug 30, 2024
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In this engaging discussion, Dr. Ammara Hasan, a Radiation Oncologist, and Aparna Mittal, a DEI advisor and Corporate Lawyer, delve into the pressing issue of women's safety in the medical field, sparked by a recent incident at R G Kar Medical College. They share harrowing firsthand accounts of harassment and discrimination faced by female doctors. The conversation highlights the need for systemic changes in labor laws and workplace policies, emphasizing the crucial role of societal awareness and support to create a safer environment for women in healthcare.
Women doctors face significant harassment and discrimination in the medical field, impacting their safety and well-being significantly.
The current legal framework inadequately protects women in medicine, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reforms in workplace conditions.
Deep dives
Challenges Faced by Women Doctors
Women doctors often confront numerous challenges in their workplace, including prevalent harassment and inadequate working conditions. Many report experiences of harassment from patients, their families, or even senior medical staff, while simultaneously feeling unsure about addressing these issues due to fear of being labeled as dramatic or high-maintenance. The long and demanding hours, up to 120 hours a week, contribute to a taxing environment where women struggle to secure basic amenities like a private resting space during night shifts. This lack of consideration emphasizes the systemic disregard for the safety and comfort of female medical professionals in hospital settings.
Concerns Over Safety and Harassment
The brutal incident involving the rape and murder of a doctor has amplified concerns regarding the safety of women in the medical field, particularly during night shifts. Numerous women shared alarming encounters, such as being photographed without consent or feeling physically threatened while on duty. Some medical staff reported that there are shared duty rooms where they feel uncomfortable or unsafe, especially when paired with male colleagues during high-pressure night shifts. The environment, compounded by the systemic normalization of harassment, leads many female doctors to hesitate in voicing their concerns or seeking help when confronted with these issues.
Calls for Systemic Change
The discussion highlights the need for systemic changes to address the vulnerabilities faced by women doctors, particularly regarding working hours and safety protocols. Suggestions for eliminating night duties for female doctors have been proposed but are largely dismissed as they would only exacerbate gender inequalities within the medical profession. Many women argue that such measures would unjustly label female doctors as less competent, impacting their career advancement and inclusion. The legal framework protecting these professionals remains inadequate, prompting calls for reforms that better address working conditions and ensure a respectful environment for all medical staff.
The recent incident at R G Kar Medical College has brought the larger issue of women’s safety, particularly in the medical profession, into sharp focus. We hear firsthand accounts from women doctors who recount the harassment and discrimination they face from colleagues, patients, and their families. Host Nidhi Sharma talks to Dr. Ammara Hasan, Radiation Oncologist and Anirban Chowdhury talks to Aparna Mittal, DEI advisor/ Corporate Lawyer, Founder Samāna Centre, on whether the legal framework is inadequate to protect women employees.
You can follow our host Nidhi Sharma on her social media: Twitter & Linkedin
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