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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Confronting gender-based barriers: A qualitative study on midwifery students’ experiences of discrimination in clinical settings
1
Istanbul Medipol University, Midwifery, Istanbul, Turkey
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A124
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Gender inequality in healthcare systems impacts both female patients and female health professionals. Midwifery students, positioned between education and practice, offer a unique lens to understand gender-based discrimination in clinical settings.
OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to explore how midwifery students in Turkey perceive and experience gender-based discrimination during their clinical training.
METHODS:
A qualitative phenomenological approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 midwifery students selected through maximum variation sampling. Data saturation was reached when no new themes emerged. Interviews, lasting 20–25 minutes each, were audio-recorded and thematically analyzed.
RESULTS:
Four main themes emerged: (1) Gender-based experiences, including the devaluation of women, discriminatory attitudes, and physician-centered gendered practices; (2) Power relations in healthcare, reflecting hierarchical dynamics among professionals and their impact on female staff and students; (3) Clinical experiences from the student perspective, highlighting challenges in crowded environments, indirect witnessing of discrimination, and limited awareness; and (4) Individual impact and emotional consequences, focusing on psychological effects, decreased self-confidence, and hesitation regarding professional engagement. These findings show that gender equity is not yet fully achieved in either education or service provision.
CONCLUSIONS:
Gender-based discrimination continues to limit women’s autonomy and participation in healthcare environments. The experiences of midwifery students highlight structural, cultural, and hierarchical barriers that impede informed consent and equitable care. Addressing these issues is essential for developing gender-sensitive and ethically grounded healthcare systems.
KEY MESSAGE:
Strengthening midwives’ awareness and advocacy skills is essential for advancing gender equity and ethical practice in clinical education and care. Respectful maternity care 2
Gender inequality in healthcare systems impacts both female patients and female health professionals. Midwifery students, positioned between education and practice, offer a unique lens to understand gender-based discrimination in clinical settings.
OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to explore how midwifery students in Turkey perceive and experience gender-based discrimination during their clinical training.
METHODS:
A qualitative phenomenological approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 midwifery students selected through maximum variation sampling. Data saturation was reached when no new themes emerged. Interviews, lasting 20–25 minutes each, were audio-recorded and thematically analyzed.
RESULTS:
Four main themes emerged: (1) Gender-based experiences, including the devaluation of women, discriminatory attitudes, and physician-centered gendered practices; (2) Power relations in healthcare, reflecting hierarchical dynamics among professionals and their impact on female staff and students; (3) Clinical experiences from the student perspective, highlighting challenges in crowded environments, indirect witnessing of discrimination, and limited awareness; and (4) Individual impact and emotional consequences, focusing on psychological effects, decreased self-confidence, and hesitation regarding professional engagement. These findings show that gender equity is not yet fully achieved in either education or service provision.
CONCLUSIONS:
Gender-based discrimination continues to limit women’s autonomy and participation in healthcare environments. The experiences of midwifery students highlight structural, cultural, and hierarchical barriers that impede informed consent and equitable care. Addressing these issues is essential for developing gender-sensitive and ethically grounded healthcare systems.
KEY MESSAGE:
Strengthening midwives’ awareness and advocacy skills is essential for advancing gender equity and ethical practice in clinical education and care. Respectful maternity care 2
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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