Advancing Gender Equity In Surgery : Insights From Nepalese Medical Students Through Women In Surgery Initiative And International Mentorship Webinar

Advancing Gender Equity In Surgery : Insights From Nepalese Medical Students Through Women In Surgery Initiative And International Mentorship Webinar

Prarthana Subedi , Prapti Lakhey, Bishow Karki, Meliska Malla
Oxford University clinical research unit national Academy of medical sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal; Nepal Medical College, Kathmandu, Nepal; Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS trust, Leeds, United Kingdom; Chitwan Medical College, Bharatpur, Nepal

Introduction: Despite comprising half of the medical student population globally, women remain underrepresented in surgery. In low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) , barriers include limited mentorship and role models, poor work-life balance, gender specific cultural norms, and a “boys’ club” surgical culture.

Aim: This study explores how gender, mentorship, and early surgical exposure influence Nepalese medical students’ , while highlighting an intervention to enhance female visibility in surgery.

Methodology: The first Women in Surgery Group in Nepal for medical students was launched through the Global Surgery Simulation Network, following an international webinar involving women surgeons from Romania , India and Nepal , who shared the experiences , challenges and mentorship to inspire surgical careers. A cross-sectional mixed-methods online survey assessed demographics, surgical exposure, motivation, barriers, and perceptions on women in surgery.

Results: Among a total of 74 respondents, 59(80%) were female. Surgical aspirations were higher among females (71%) vs. males (53%). Only 42% women vs. 67% of men perceived equal access to surgical careers. Over one-third (34%) medical students had never encountered a female surgeon underscoring the visibility gap addressed by the webinar. Intellectual interest (66%) was the top motivator , while a major deterrent was work-life balance (54%). Qualitative themes included challenging stereotypes, capability beyond gender, mentorship needs , and early training benefits

Conclusion: Nepalese female medical students aspire to surgical careers yet face systemic barriers rooted in cultural patriarchy , gender stereotypes and limited role models . Initiative promoting mentorship and visibility like women in surgery initiative are pivotal in advancing surgical equity in LMICs like Nepal .

Keywords: Global surgery, Women in Surgery , Mentorship, Surgical equity