Empower Women Surgeons

A few weeks ago, I participated in an inspirational webinar, 'Women in Surgery,' where three amazing women mentors from India, Nepal, and Romania shared their experiences. They spoke about their life in a field still governed by men, discussing their success and challenges. Despite differences in countries, cultures, and training, their stories reflected many similar challenges that women surgeons face everywhere across the globe.

One of the recurring themes was how women often have to prove themselves in surgery, a specialty with very few women. They face hidden prejudices and judgments that make their job more difficult. One of the speakers, a neurosurgery resident, shared her challenging experience of suicidal ideation because of the sense of isolation and pressure of having to prove herself each time as the only female in her program. It's disheartening to know that even in 2025, prejudices still exist, though in less vocal and insidious ways.

Surgery is one of the most stressful medical specialties—it takes great skill, good nerves, and constant dedication. The load is heavier for women because they have to perform their work excellently and battle age-old stereotypes. They must be firm but not scary, decisive but not "too aggressive," and juggle work and family responsibilities. It's a tightrope walk, with no room for mistakes. Mediocrity is not an option for women in surgery. Women work twice as hard to get half the respect that their male colleagues are afforded. Men can enter the operating room and be expected to belong. With women, it is as though they need to prove this constantly. Women generally socialize to smile, be gracious, and keep their family honor intact while managing all that career stress. This is exhausting and is not fair.

Most hurtful was to find out how these difficulties have become "normal" for women surgeons. Many believe they must keep quiet about their issues since complaining can destroy their careers. The silence is heartbreaking because it translates to women suffering alone to survive a career they fought so hard to get into.

Being a medical student at the beginning of my career, this webinar changed how I perceive the future. If I go into surgery, I might be the only woman in the room—not because of a lack of ability, but because the system still makes it hard for women to get in and stay in. What I worry about the most is not the hard work but being alone and exhausted from fighting just to be accepted. This has made me more determined to be a force for change. I want the next generation of women to believe surgery is for them, despite the challenges, and to know their worth never depends on anyone's approval.

While the world cheers on the big wins, like women breaking glass ceilings, let us not overlook the shards women still have to deal with. To all the women forging a path in surgery: I see you, salute you, and stand with you. Let us strive to make it so that no woman ever has to explain why she belongs there.

It's not just about women in isolation—this is a matter of how we want medicine to be. When discrimination is silently tolerated, patients and colleagues suffer. A medical profession without diverse voices and backgrounds will not thrive. Women bring important qualities like empathy, attention to detail, emotional intelligence, and toughness that improve everyone's care. Genuine change does not happen with gestures or platitudes but with listening, believing, and breaking down ancient barriers. The operating room must be a place of healing and not hierarchy. Until that is a reality, we owe it to ourselves and our patients to strive for more.

(MBBS IIIrd Year, Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences.)