Female doctors and dentists are not well represented, MWAN cries out

Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) has called for better representation of medical women in Nigeria and in the achievement and maintenance of quality healthcare throughout Nigeria.

President of MWAN Oyo State, Dr Omowunmi Femi-Akinlosotu, making the call at the media briefing in honour of Professor Oludayisi Oduntan and 5 other medical icons of the association that are nonagenarians, in Ibadan, stated that women physicians face a lot of social issues that need to be addressed to ensure their advancement in medicine.

She declared that issues that women physicians face, which need to be addressed, include lack of professional satisfaction, inappropriate work-life balance, parenting, gender discrimination, and limited opportunities for academic pursuits.

Femi-Akinlosotu said addressing roadblocks for women in medicine has become critical, particularly as healthcare staffing shortages continue nationwide.

According to Dr Femi-Akinlosotu: “In many developing countries, it is feared that the prevalence of burnout in women physicians might increase, work-life balance challenges are likely to become more important, and under-representation of women physicians in academic leadership positions will lead to ignoring their issues.

“Recently, due to intensive and intentional MWAN advocacy efforts, we have seen more women physicians occupying coveted positions. However, female physicians remain under-represented in many academic leadership positions.

“To ensure that we do not waste the talent of female physicians, we urgently need to address some of the issues and challenges they are facing.

“It is the duty of not only the parents of the female physicians, but also their in-laws, their senior professional colleagues, health planners, heads of medical institutions, and healthcare facilities to provide a safe, secure, comfortable working environment for female physicians.

“Establishing baby care centres at workplace, mentoring facilities for female medical students, counselling services and career guidance are some of the initiatives which need to be undertaken on a priority basis. Some women physicians also need to take interest and come forward to lead this cause.”

Femi-Akinlosotu also urged the gender imbalance in Nigeria’s National assembly to be given immediate attention, saying it remains disproportionately low despite the significant contributions of women in various sectors in Nigeria.

According to her, a diverse and inclusive legislative body is essential for the formulation of policies that address the needs and aspirations of all citizens.

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“Women bring unique perspectives and experiences that can enrich policy debates and lead to more comprehensive and inclusive legislations. By empowering women to participate fully in the political process, we can foster a more just and prosperous society for all,” she declared.

In his remark, Oyo State Nigerian Medical Association chairman Dr Happi Adedapo commended MWAN for celebrating the association’s legends while still alive, saying the medical icons and nonagenarians had lived exemplary lives and contributed immensely to the women physicians’ association.