Gender-related barriers to career progression in Indian anaesthesiologists: A nationwide online survey

Background and Aims: The presence and extent of gender bias in the workplace among Indian anaesthesiologists has not been previously assessed. We aimed to find out whether gender is perceived as a barrier to a flourishing career in anaesthesia in India. The secondary objectives included identifying causes of gender disparity, if any. Methods: The opinion of male and female anaesthesiologists of different seniority, spanning government and private institutions pan India, was sought via an online survey questionnaire (25 questions; multiple choice, matrix type, Likert type; Survey Monkey platform). The responses answered by 255 anaesthesiologists in a time frame of 1 month were compared between male and female respondents using Chi-square test and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: < 0.001). Added home responsibility is the most important barrier to female career progression as per 73% males and 72% females. Lack of support structure (55% females; 32% males), lack of safety at workplace especially during odd hours (44% males; 50% females), male competency assumptions (49% females; 11% males), equating top leadership with geographical mobility and 24 × 7 availability (32% females; 14% males), a trailing spouse (21% females; 12% males), and lack of role models (13% females; 8% males) were other perceived barriers. Conclusion: Pragmatic solutions for a more harmonious, equitable, and stress-free work environment begin with acknowledging the existence of gender-related barriers.