Workplace Harassment and Gender Inequality among Female Healthcare Workers

Authors: ALICIA ARANHA, AVINASH BORKAR, NAMITA DESHMUKH

DOI: 10.18231/j.ijfcm.11180.1759297762

Keywords: Harassment, workplace, discrimination, females

Abstract: Workplace harassment and gender inequality remain pervasive issues across various industries, with female healthcare workers being particularly vulnerable due to systemic challenges and power imbalances. Harassment is characterized by unwelcome behaviors that create hostile work environments, with verbal and sexual harassment being the most prevalent forms. Gender discrimination further exacerbates these challenges, manifesting in unequal pay, limited career advancement opportunities, and micro-aggressions. Studies reveal that nearly half of female healthcare workers experience workplace violence, with nurses being disproportionately affected due to hierarchical dynamics. The psychological and physical toll of harassment includes anxiety, depression, and reduced job satisfaction, significantly impacting victims' mental health and professional efficacy. Cultural and systemic barriers, such as fear of retaliation and ingrained patriarchal norms, hinder reporting and seeking help. Organizational cultures often perpetuate these issues, failing to provide adequate gender diversity in leadership or effective mechanisms for redress. Existing legal frameworks, such as the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal Act) (POSH), lack specific provisions for healthcare workers, leaving them vulnerable. Addressing workplace harassment requires implementing anti-harassment policies, promoting awareness programs, and fostering open communication. Future research should focus on evaluating reporting systems and exploring the cultural barriers that sustain harassment. Strengthening legal protections tailored to healthcare workers and ensuring equitable workplace practices are essential steps toward a safer and more inclusive environment. By addressing these systemic issues, the healthcare sector can improve not only the well-being of female professionals but also the quality of care delivered to patients.