Challenges faced by women oncologists in Africa: a mixed methods study

Miriam Mutebi ¹, Naa Adorkor Aryeetey ², Haimanot Kasahun Alemu ³

¹Surgery, Aga Khan University, Nairobi County, Nairobi, Kenya.
²Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana.
³Saint Pauls Hospital Millenium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
⁴Queen's University, Kingston, Kingston, Canada.
⁵Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa.
⁶Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
⁷Center for Translation and Implementation Research (CTAIR), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria.
⁸Oncology Center, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria.
⁹Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of.
¹⁰Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia.
¹¹Department of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
¹²Hematology and Oncology, The Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
¹³Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.
¹⁴National Hospital Abuja Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria.
¹⁵Oncology, Black Lion Hospital, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Adis Ababa, Ethiopia.
¹⁶Hospital Univrsitário Hospital Agostinho Neto, Praia, Cabo Verde.
¹⁷Salah Azaiez National Cancer Institute, Tunis, Tunisia.
¹⁸Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Atlanta, USA.
¹⁹Radiation Oncology, MidCentral District Health Board, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
²⁰National Center for Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
²¹Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Toronto, Canada.

⁰Surgery, Aga Khan University, Nairobi County, Nairobi, Kenya.

Bmj Oncology +

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January 31, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Women oncologists in Africa face significant work-life balance and social obligation pressures, alongside unique and shared challenges. Solutions include enhanced work flexibility and mentorship to empower female physicians in oncology.

Area Of Science

Oncology
Gender Studies in Medicine
Global Health

Background

Previous research highlighted challenges for women oncologists in Western countries.
Limited studies have explored the experiences of women oncologists in Africa.

Purpose Of The Study

To identify common and substantial challenges faced by women oncologists in Africa.
To explore potential solutions for improving their professional experiences.

Main Methods

A Delphi consensus process involving 29 women oncologists from 20 African countries.
Focus group discussions to elaborate on identified challenges and solutions.
Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis of collected data.

Main Results

Women oncologists in Africa encounter challenges at individual, interpersonal, institutional, and societal levels.
The primary challenge identified was balancing work-family demands and social obligations.
Some challenges mirrored those in other regions, while others were specific to the African context.

Conclusions

Women oncologists in Africa face multifaceted challenges across a social-ecological framework.
Empowerment through increased numbers and leadership roles is crucial.
Gender-sensitive education and systemic dialogue are needed for policy change.

Keywords:

Medical oncology Radiation oncology Surgical oncology