BMA publishes sexism in medicine report

The British Medical Association (BMA) has published a report presenting the findings from the sexism in medicine survey. The BMA states that the results of the survey reflect that there are significant steps needed to achieve gender equality in medicine, as many continue to view medicine as a male profession. This is caused by a culmination of issues, the main drivers of sexism reported by respondents were structural and institutional factors. The report states that sexism in medicine impacts negatively on women’s long-term career progression and causes problems in their day-to-day working lives.

Findings from the survey:

• 51% of respondents believe sexism is due to structural and institutional factors in the NHS and 41% is individuals holding sexist views, assumptions, and behaviours in the medical profession
• 91% of respondents aged 26-35 stated that they had experienced at least one sexist experience within the last two years
• 74% of respondents think sexism acts as a barrier to career progression
• 31% of women respondents had received unwanted physical conduct in the workplace

The issue was emphasised in Wales as 88% of respondents felt structural and institutional factors that disadvantage women are the main driver of sexism in the NHS in Wales.

With this new data, the BMA wishes to work to find solutions to advance the position of women in the profession and create a working environment that provides equal opportunities. The next steps for the BMA are to engage with stakeholders to develop recommendations that can effectively tackle the issues raised in the report.

Published Date: 27 August 2021

Issuing Department: British Medical Association (BMA)

Jurisdiction: England; Northern Ireland; Scotland; Wales

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