International Women’s Day Spotlight
Tackling sexual misconduct in surgery
As part of the discussion around International Women’s Day, celebrated on 8 March, Kate Woodhead RGN DMS examines the culture in operating theatres and the uncomfortable truth that women in surgery continue to be subject to sexual misconduct.
Women in surgery, whether in training or substantive posts, are being harassed, subject to sexual misconduct of varying degrees and even rape – all of which is completely unacceptable. In 2015, the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons raised awareness globally by conducting a national survey1
hand and not be distressed by the behaviour of colleagues. The report from the Working Party on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery (WPSMS), titled Breaking the Silence: Addressing Sexual Misconduct in Healthcare,2
shocked the profession and with shocking
results, which began a tsunami of other research from surgical communities around the world. Without exception, the results have been appalling and a situation which cannot continue in surgery.
In the UK, a forum of the Royal College of
Surgeons of England, Women in Surgery, has for a long time been focused on eradicating the culture of sexual harassment in surgery. That is not to say that men are not also subject to harassment and assault, but the majority of the victims are female. When more women are entering the medical profession, it is essential that this culture is radically changed to make it a safer and more comfortable environment for women to work. We all have the right to work in a place where we can focus on the work in
healthcare, as well as patients and the general public. The scale of the data collected from the research, which went to male and female surgeons who responded anonymously, reported that: l 63% of women had been the target of sexual harassment from colleagues.
l 30% of women had been sexually assaulted by a colleague.
l 11% of women reported forced physical contact related to career opportunities.
l At least 11 incidents of rape were reported. l 90% of women and 81% of men had witnessed some form of sexual misconduct.
The Royal Colleges leapt into action, making commitments to zero tolerance and to driving fundamental change. The Royal College of
Surgeons of Edinburgh began a campaign called ‘Let’s Remove It’ and has some useful information and education on its website.3 An online campaign was set up called ‘Surviving in Scrubs’ which collects reports of offensive behaviour of a sexual nature and strives for the following: ‘working with national healthcare organisations and regulators to challenge the culture and push for change.’ Over the last year, they have been working with NHS England, NHS Education for Scotland, the BMA, the GMC, the healthcare Royal Colleges, the ambulance services in Wales and England and Trusts across the UK. They state they will ‘continue until every person in healthcare feels safe working in an environment free from sexism and sexual violence’.4
There are many
disturbing and shocking stories which have been submitted, showing the extent of the deprivation and appalling behaviour. In the month which celebrates International Women’s Day, 8 March,5
it seems appropriate
that the roles of women in surgery should be reviewed. The movement asks us to ‘Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. We should raise awareness about discrimination and take action to forge gender parity’.
International studies Other than the original survey in Australia, studies have been undertaken in Canada in Orthopaedic Surgery,6
in Obstetrics and Gynaecology,7 study in Greece8
in the US and Canada, as well as a
and others. They are broadly
in agreement that something must be done to mitigate the amount of abuse of all types in surgery. Behaviours have gone unchallenged for far too long.
Relevant legal definitions It is helpful to determine the different definitions in use, which vary slightly according to local legal precedent, so when reading
March 2025 I
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