Why Pakistan’s female doctors don’t feel safe

Multiple factors contribute to the safety concerns of female doctors in Pakistan:

• Workplace Harassment and Violence: Female doctors frequently experience sexual harassment, verbal abuse, and physical assault within healthcare settings. This can range from inappropriate comments and touching to severe acts of violence.
• Inadequate Security: Many hospitals lack proper security measures, leaving female doctors vulnerable to attacks. There may be insufficient security staff, faulty CCTV cameras, or poorly lit areas.
• Societal Attitudes: Deep-rooted patriarchal norms and cultural biases can create a hostile environment for women in the medical profession. These attitudes may normalize harassment and discourage women from reporting incidents.
• Lack of Support: Many female doctors fear retaliation or job loss if they report harassment. There may be a lack of institutional support or adequate legal protection for victims.
• Long Working Hours: The demanding nature of medical work, coupled with long hours and irregular shifts, can make it difficult for female doctors to ensure their safety.

These factors combine to create a challenging and unsafe environment for female doctors in Pakistan. It’s important to address these issues through a combination of improved security measures, education and awareness campaigns, and strong legal protections to ensure the safety and well-being of female healthcare professionals.