Challenges and Difficulties Faced by Women in Healthcare Employment: Sharīʻah and Research Based Study

صحت کے شعبہ میں خواتین کی ملازمت کے چیلنجز و مشکلات: شرعی و تحقیقی مطالعہ

Abstract

Women’s participation in the healthcare sector has become increasingly important in contemporary societies, particularly in obstetrics, gynecology, women’s healthcare, and other medical services. However, women’s employment in this field involves various Sharīʻah, ethical, social, and practical considerations. This study examines the challenges and difficulties associated with women’s employment in the healthcare sector from a Sharīʻah and research-based perspective. It aims to determine the Islamic position on women’s professional participation in healthcare and identify the principles and conditions necessary for employment in accordance with Islamic values and contemporary professional requirements. The study employs a qualitative, descriptive, and analytical methodology, drawing primarily on the Qur’ān, Ḥadīth, classical and contemporary Islamic jurisprudence, and relevant literature. The findings indicate that women’s employment is not inherently prohibited in Islam; rather, its permissibility depends on the nature of the work, the working environment, and compliance with relevant Sharīʻah requirements. In healthcare, female professionals may fulfill an important social need, particularly in providing medical services to women. Nevertheless, matters such as hijab, interaction with non-mahram individuals, seclusion, professional communication, travel, working hours, night shifts, and family responsibilities require due consideration. The study also identifies workplace harassment, physical and psychological stress, prolonged working hours, institutional weaknesses, and difficulties in maintaining work-family balance as major challenges. It concludes that safe working environments, reasonable working hours, maternity facilities, effective grievance mechanisms, institutional accountability, and professional ethics are essential for addressing these concerns. A balanced framework based on justice, public interest, removal of hardship, and human dignity can facilitate women’s participation in healthcare while protecting their religious, professional, familial, and social rights.