Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39891189›Full record

ArticleBMC health services research2025

Gender inequality in healthcare leadership: the challenges women face in breaking through the glass ceiling.

Kiran Imtiaz Khan, Brekhna Jamil, Muhammad Muhammad, Shamaila Mohsin, Arsalan Hamid Khan, Muhammad Qasim Javed

Abstract read
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Article in BMC health services research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 8 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
8citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

8 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Kiran Imtiaz KhanArmy Medical College, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Kiran.i.k@hotmail.com.
Brekhna JamilInstitute of Health Professions Education and Research, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan.
Muhammad MuhammadIslamic International Dental College, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Shamaila MohsinArmy Medical College, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Arsalan Hamid KhanSardar Begum Dental College, Gandhara University, Peshawar, Pakistan.
Muhammad Qasim JavedDepartment of Conservative Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Qassim University, Buraidah, Qassim, 52571, Saudi Arabia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundWomen comprise more than two-thirds of the academic medicine faculty and half of the general population in Pakistan, yet their representation in healthcare leadership roles remains disproportionately low.

aimThe study aims to explore the experiences of Pakistani women in healthcare leadership positions to unravel the challenges they face in acquiring and sustaining leadership positions and to identify the factors that help them overcome these challenges.

methodsAn exploratory qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews was conducted. Purposive sampling was utilized. Telephonic interviews of ten women in healthcare leadership positions were conducted, recorded, and transcribed. Thematic analysis was performed by manual coding.

resultsA total of 14 subthemes were generated that finally emerged as 5 themes. The challenges of women in healthcare leadership positions included unsupportive work environment, lack of confidence and leadership skills, and struggle to balance family and work. Personal strategies, family support, and women-centric organizational policies were identified as aids to professional advancement.

conclusionMost of the challenges faced by women in acquiring and sustaining leadership positions in Pakistan are rooted in a patriarchal culture that assigns conventional roles and expectations to women. Professional competence and strategic acumen along with inclusive work environment and policies can help promote gender equality.

Indexed as

Gender EquityLeadershipSexismAdultFemaleHumansInterviews as TopicMiddle AgedPakistanQualitative ResearchDental educationExploratory studyGender inequalityHealth care organizationHealth care personnel

Identifiers

PMID39891189
PMCPMC11786516

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.