Workplaces should be environments where individuals can thrive, contribute, and grow, without fear of violence and harassment. Yet, for many women, particularly in the healthcare sector, their workplace is a place of vulnerability and fear. The recent surge in incidents involving violence, harassment, and abuse against women in healthcare has laid bare a critical issue: women in this profession are far from being as safe as they deserve to be.
Reality of women’s safety in healthcare
The healthcare sector has unique demands – it requires empathy, long hours, and constant vigilance – but it also exposes women to heightened risks. Nurses, doctors, technicians, and other female healthcare workers often face unsafe situations, from aggressive patients, overburdened systems, or male-dominated hierarchies that overlook their safety concerns.
Globally, women represent a significant part of the healthcare workforce. In India, they comprise 80% of the nursing workforce and 17% of doctors. Despite these numbers and essential roles, they face alarming levels of violence and harassment. Studies by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that globally, up to 38% of healthcare workers experience physical violence at some point in their careers, and women are disproportionately affected. In India, this is worsened by weak workplace safety regulations, gender discrimination, and inadequate security.
Women in healthcare often face a range of risks, both physical and psychological, that compromise their safety and well-being. Physical assaults, including threats and violence from patients or their families, are common, particularly in facilities lacking proper security during night shifts. Sexual harassment is pervasive, with inappropriate comments, touching, or advances from colleagues, superiors, patients, or families, often going unreported due to fear of retaliation. Long, irregular hours, especially night shifts, expose women to increased safety risks, with inadequate security in many healthcare settings leaving them vulnerable and isolated.
Additionally, workplace bullying, especially against younger women or those in junior positions, creates a hostile environment, while gender discrimination further exacerbates these challenges, undermining women’s expertise and blocking their career progression. Gender biases also undermine women’s authority, particularly in leadership roles, where their competence is often questioned by patients, families, and even colleagues, contributing to an environment where disrespect and abuse are more prevalent.
The recent assault of a female healthcare worker at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata is a stark reminder of the dangers women face in the healthcare workplace. The incident involved the brutal assault of a junior doctor, shining a spotlight on the lack of security and support for female staff. Despite being an institution dedicated to care and healing; the incident revealed the glaring inadequacies in safeguarding women in healthcare.
This attack is not an isolated case but part of a broader pattern of violence against healthcare workers in India. In fact, this incident has reignited discussions about workplace safety and the urgent need for reforms in healthcare institutions. According to a study by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), more than 75% of doctors have faced some form of violence at work, and female healthcare workers are particularly vulnerable.
The consequences of ignoring women’s safety
Unsafe working conditions for women in healthcare have far-reaching consequences, including significant mental health impacts such as to burnout, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to repeated exposure to violence and harassment. The emotional toll of working in an environment can significantly affect their mental health and job performance. Additionally, when healthcare workers feel unsafe, it affects the quality of care they provide, as concerns for their own safety can hinder their ability to focus and deliver effective care. This can result in lower-quality healthcare for patients and decreased job satisfaction for workers. Furthermore, many women in healthcare choose to leave the profession altogether due to the persistent threats of violence and harassment. This not only leads to a loss of talent but also exacerbates the shortage of healthcare workers, particularly in critical areas like nursing and general practice.
The Way Forward: Ensuring Safety for Women in Healthcare
Addressing the safety of women in healthcare requires a multifaceted approach that involves stronger policies, better security measures, and a cultural shift within healthcare institutions. Key steps involve strengthening security through investments in comprehensive security systems, including CCTV cameras, security personnel, and restricted access, particularly during night shifts and in high-risk areas.
Healthcare institutions must adopt zero-tolerance policies and enforce strict policies against violence, harassment, and discrimination. Internal complaints committees (ICCs) should be functional and trained to handle these cases with sensitivity and urgency. Fear of retaliation should never be a barrier to seeking justice.
Additionally, gender sensitization, conflict resolution, and de-escalation training for healthcare workers, patients, and their families should be encouraged to create a culture of respect and support. Building supportive environment through mentorship programs and peer-support networks should be established to offer emotional and professional support to women navigating challenges at the workplace.
The healthcare sector is cornerstone of society, and women are integral to its foundation. However, the safety of women in healthcare remains a serious concern. The recent incidents of violence, particularly the case at RG Kar Medical College, highlight the urgent need for change. By implementing stronger policies, enhancing security measures, and cultural changes, we can build a healthcare system where women are not only safe but supported in their essential roles.
Now is the time to act – ensuring that women in healthcare work in environments that are secure, respectful, and conducive to their vital mission of healing others.
