Male Nursing Officers' Perceptions and Experiences of Workplace Gender Inequality in Odisha, India: A Qualitative Study.

Aim and objective This study sought to explore male nursing officers' perceptions and experiences of workplace gender inequality in Odisha. Design This study employed a qualitative study design using the descriptive phenomenological approach. Methods Data were generated by individual face-to-face interviews among 14 male nursing officers who had a clinical experience of two or more years and worked in tertiary care hospitals in Odisha. The COREQ criteria and checklist were followed during the study, and data were analyzed using the MAXQDA software. Results Based on the findings, three themes were extracted that described male nursing officers' perceptions and experiences of workplace gender inequality. In the first theme, "Current opportunities in clinical settings," male nursing officers' diverse range of skills and specializations were stated. The second theme, "Challenges and differences due to gender," illustrated the workplace prejudice and discrimination that a male nursing officer had to cope with. The third theme, "Initiatives and suggestions to enhance the numbers of male nursing officers," highlighted the Odisha government's effort to end discrimination and uplift the stature of male nursing officers in the society. Conclusion Gender inequality experienced by male nursing officers in workplace arise from patients, co-workers, and higher authorities. This can be resolved by avoiding classifying certain roles according to the gender, providing equal posting in all areas regardless of gender, and raising societal awareness about male nursing officers and their obligations.