Is gender equality in medicine about to become a thing of the past?

A reflection on gender equality in medicine. Once upon a time, women had to pick between having a family and working, now they can do both if they choose.

The more information that comes out about the proposed junior doctor contracts, the more blatant the government’s complete disregard for its doctors.

In what society is disadvantaging women “a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim”? According to the Department of Health, Equality Analysis, this is the situation and it is wholly accepted by the government.

It seems to be hard enough for people to deal with the rigours of working as a doctor without the added pressures of trying to raise a family. With this additional burden placed on working women, does it really leave much choice other than to leave the medical profession?

GENDER EQUALITY IN MEDICINE – THE PAY GAP

Gender equality and equal pay in the workplace is a hard fought for thing. Once upon a time, women had to pick between having a family and working, now they can do both if they choose. However, even after this many years and a supposedly equal society, there is still a pay gap.

Legislation like this indicates a major step back for women and feminism.

The Guardian has written an article voicing its concerns that women may have to quit over new contracts.

WHAT NEXT?

The supposed solution of doctors using “informal childcare arrangements” is vague and rather unhelpful. What exactly does this mean? Grandparents? Good news if you have them to hand otherwise, you may have to pay for expensive childccare. As Dr Roshana Median says:

This is ludicrous in the 21st century when childcare costs are spiralling and access to out-of-hours childcare is limited. This discriminates against women, single parents and working couples. It is a regressive and draconian contract, undoing years of work to improve equality.

ARE THERE PERHAPS BETTER OPTIONS OUT THERE FOR YOU, WHICH WILL REDRESS YOUR WORK/LIFE BALANCE?

CHECK OUT OUR CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES.

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Sara Sabin

With a solid corporate background, Sara specialises in advising doctors in how to prepare a non-medical CV and how to prepare for a non-medical interview. She is also the Co-Founder of Medic Footprints.

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