Pakistani women doctors overcoming workplace challenges.

Beyond the Veil: Unmasking Workplace Challenges for Pakistani Women Doctors

Mira Elwood in Culture & Society August 2025 • 3 min read.

"A deep dive into how cultural expectations and workplace dynamics create unique obstacles for women in Pakistan's healthcare system."

Imagine stepping into a bustling hospital in Pakistan, a place of healing and progress. Amidst the dedicated staff, you'll find remarkable women doctors, highly trained and committed to their profession. But beneath the surface, these women face a unique set of challenges stemming from cultural norms, societal expectations, and gender dynamics within the workplace.

This article delves into the experiences of Pakistani women doctors, exploring how the traditional concept of 'purdah'— a system of modesty and gendered interactions—shapes their professional lives. We'll uncover how deeply ingrained cultural practices intersect with workplace realities, creating both visible and invisible barriers for these women.

Based on extensive research and firsthand accounts, we aim to shed light on the complexities faced by Pakistani women doctors. By understanding these challenges, we can begin to foster more inclusive and equitable workplaces where their talents and contributions are fully recognized and valued.

What is 'Purdah' and How Does It Influence Pakistani Workplaces?

Pakistani women doctors overcoming workplace challenges.

'Purdah,' often translated as 'veil' or 'curtain,' goes far beyond a simple piece of cloth. In the Pakistani context, it represents a comprehensive system of gender-based ethics and interactions that dictates modesty and propriety for both men and women. This system influences everything from behavior and communication styles to the organization of physical spaces and the allocation of work.

It's important to recognize that 'purdah' isn't solely a religious practice. It's heavily influenced by social, cultural, and historical factors unique to Pakistan, including:

Cultural practices of gender segregation prevalent in South Asia.
Historical experiences of colonization.
The rise of nationalist, religious, and faith-based movements.
The ongoing influence of modernity.

In Pakistani workplaces, 'purdah' manifests in various ways that can significantly impact women doctors:

Towards a More Equitable Future for Women Doctors in Pakistan

The journey toward workplace equity for Pakistani women doctors is complex, but understanding the multifaceted influence of 'purdah' is a crucial first step. By acknowledging and addressing the systemic barriers these women face, Pakistan can unlock their full potential, ensuring a brighter and more equitable future for healthcare professionals and the communities they serve.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1111/gwao.12308, Alternate LINK

Title: Doing Gender, Modestly: Conceptualizing Workplace Experiences Of Pakistani Women Doctors

Subject: Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management

Journal: Gender, Work & Organization

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: Ayesha Masood

Published: 2018-10-28

Everything You Need To Know

What specific challenges do Pakistani women doctors face in their workplaces?

Pakistani women doctors encounter a unique set of challenges stemming from cultural norms, societal expectations, and gender dynamics within their workplaces. These challenges manifest in various ways, affecting their careers and overall well-being. The traditional concept of 'purdah' significantly shapes their professional lives, creating both visible and invisible barriers. The influence of 'purdah' affects behavior, communication, the organization of physical spaces, and the allocation of work.

How does 'purdah' impact the professional lives of Pakistani women doctors?

'Purdah', a system of modesty and gendered interactions, significantly impacts the professional lives of Pakistani women doctors. It influences their behavior, communication styles, and the organization of physical spaces in the workplace. This system, which extends beyond religious practice, is shaped by cultural, social, and historical factors prevalent in Pakistan. 'Purdah' affects how women interact with male colleagues, patients, and superiors, potentially limiting their career advancement and creating additional stress.

Beyond religious practice, what other factors influence 'purdah' in the Pakistani context?

Beyond its religious aspects, 'purdah' is influenced by various social, cultural, and historical factors unique to Pakistan. These include cultural practices of gender segregation prevalent in South Asia, historical experiences of colonization, the rise of nationalist and faith-based movements, and the ongoing influence of modernity. These elements intertwine to shape a comprehensive system of gender-based ethics that affects the workplace dynamics and the experiences of Pakistani women doctors.

What is the definition of 'purdah', and how does it manifest in Pakistan?

'Purdah,' often translated as 'veil' or 'curtain,' is a comprehensive system of gender-based ethics and interactions that emphasizes modesty and propriety for both men and women. In Pakistan, 'purdah' goes beyond the literal meaning of a veil and influences behavior, communication, the organization of physical spaces, and the allocation of work. It is rooted in cultural, social, and historical factors unique to Pakistan, including gender segregation, historical experiences, and modern influences. Its manifestation in the workplace can create both visible and invisible barriers for Pakistani women doctors.

How can a more equitable future be achieved for Pakistani women doctors?

Achieving a more equitable future for Pakistani women doctors requires understanding and addressing the multifaceted influence of 'purdah' and the systemic barriers they face. This involves acknowledging the challenges and working towards fostering more inclusive and equitable workplaces. By recognizing the impact of cultural norms, societal expectations, and gender dynamics, Pakistan can unlock the full potential of these healthcare professionals. This will ensure a brighter and more equitable future for both the doctors and the communities they serve.