The Challenges Facing Muslim Females in the Medical Profession

The need for more Muslim females in the medical field, particularly in nursing, is urgent. However, several challenges are discouraging Muslim women from pursuing their careers, especially in the nursing profession.

A Personal Account of Discrimination in Medical Colleges

A sister reached out to me recently, sharing her distressing experience about how Muslim student nurses are treated in some medical colleges in Nigeria. Below is her story:

“I am a nurse who recently completed a one-year specialty program in Perioperative Nursing at UCH last month. During the program, we were told that only knee-length gowns were allowed. As hijabis, we asked the management if we could wear trousers, but our request was denied. Three of us decided to wear pop socks under our gowns, despite the difficulties it caused. We managed to finish the program, but it wasn’t easy.

When new students began their intake, the management introduced a new rule banning pop socks and trousers. They also told us that no student would be allowed to attend Jummat, and lectures were scheduled during that time to prevent it.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria’s regulations allow students to wear either gowns or trousers. But some schools, like this one, impose stricter rules. MSSN UCH has not been active in addressing these concerns, and those in leadership positions seem indifferent to the challenges we face.

I am concerned about how Muslim students, particularly those who wear hijab, are treated. Some Muslim nurses who wanted to apply to this program were discouraged when they learned that trousers were not allowed. This restriction is keeping Muslim women from pursuing their dreams.”

The Struggle to Uphold Dignity in the Nursing Profession

The story shared above highlights a troubling situation faced by Muslim nurses in some Nigerian medical institutions. The challenge is compounded by the fact that there are only a few perioperative nursing schools in the Southwest, making it even harder to get admission.

The situation has resulted in Muslim sisters having to make painful compromises to pursue their education. Some have even been forced to abandon their dreams of becoming nurses due to these restrictions. The rules not only hinder their academic growth but also violate their basic rights to practice their faith.

The Need for Change and Awareness

One of the most concerning aspects of this story is the fact that the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria permits the wearing of trousers or gowns. However, some schools are still enforcing discriminatory policies that limit students’ ability to wear what is necessary to maintain their dignity.

Many Muslim students have tried to conform to these rules by wearing pop socks, but this accommodation was also rejected. It seems there is no one in positions of power who is willing to stand up for the rights of these students.

Conclusion: A Cry for Help and Solidarity

This story is not just a personal account, but a call for action. It serves as a reminder that more must be done to create an inclusive environment in medical colleges for Muslim women.

If the restrictions continue, Muslim nurses will be unable to reach their full potential, and the nursing profession will continue to be a field where they face unnecessary barriers. This situation calls for awareness, support, and change to ensure that Muslim females in the medical field can practice their profession without discrimination.

Let this be a message of awareness and a plea for help. Muslims must come together and advocate for their rights to achieve equality in education and professional fields.

The Struggles of Muslim Females in the Medical Profession: A Call for Change

It is heartbreaking to read stories like this, and it’s especially painful when such challenges are happening in our own country, which is so populous. The emotions conveyed in the sister’s story resonate deeply with me, and I can relate to her experience, especially having faced similar discrimination in my own career.

Personal Experiences of Discrimination and Support in the UK

I have worked in the UK for about four years, and during this time, I have been the only Muslim female in every team I joined. Whenever I start a new role, colleagues ask about my religion and if there’s anything they can do to support me. They ensure I have time for prayer, adjust meetings around my prayer times, and even remind me when I forget.

They also ask if Ramadan is difficult and if I would like my work schedule adjusted to allow me rest during the day. These accommodations make me feel respected, and it is a stark contrast to what many of us face in environments where Muslims are in the minority. If such respect can be found in a non-Muslim majority country, why are we struggling so much in our own land?

The Importance of Defending Our Rights

It’s crucial that we begin to defend ourselves and our rights. Whenever I have the opportunity to speak up for my religion and for women, I do so wholeheartedly. I was recently part of a policy review for health workers, where I advocated for Muslim nurses to be allowed to dress in a way that doesn’t compromise their religious values, as long as it doesn’t pose a risk to patient safety. A happy and respected staff is essential for a productive work environment.

The Role of the MSSN in Addressing Muslim Nurses’ Concerns

It is disappointing to see the lack of action from the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) on such critical issues. If students at medical schools could unite and address these concerns, we could make a significant impact. Writing articles, reaching out to Muslim lawyers, and creating awareness are essential steps in escalating these issues.

The Need for Steadfastness and Support

In some parts of Nigeria, Muslim women face intense pressure, but we must remain steadfast. I know of a sister who was not allowed to wear Niqab by a lecturer. Despite the insults and pressure, she stood firm and eventually, the lecturer stopped complaining. Through patience, prayer, and determination, she overcame these challenges.

Having a support system is vital. It’s essential that we have the backing of our families, particularly when we are standing up for our faith. The medical profession can be tough, but with the right support and determination, we can overcome the barriers.

Challenges Faced by Muslim Females in the Medical Profession

The medical profession is incredibly demanding, and for Muslim females, it’s even more difficult due to the need to balance religious practices with professional requirements. However, as one sister shared, it’s disheartening to see that despite these challenges, many Muslim sisters still choose to abandon their dreams because of the restrictions placed on their attire.

Muslim women are often asked to compromise their religious practices in order to fit into a profession that they should be able to join without fear of discrimination. The issue of what is appropriate dress should not be a matter of controversy, especially when it doesn’t affect the quality of care provided to patients.

The Role of Leadership and Unity in Overcoming Discrimination

A significant challenge we face is the lack of understanding and support from some Muslim leaders. Too often, we see people in positions of power who either don’t understand the principles of Islam or who deliberately choose to follow misguided paths. It’s vital that those who understand and adhere to the true teachings of Islam work to support and uplift the Muslim community, especially in the professional realm.

We must continue to pray and strive for victory over the challenges faced by the Muslim ummah.

The Broader Issue of Nepotism and Discrimination

Unfortunately, the problem of discrimination extends beyond the medical profession and affects various fields. Nepotism and unfair treatment are rampant, and many members of the Muslim community contribute to perpetuating these issues rather than fighting against them. This systemic disenfranchisement is a significant problem that we must address as a united front.

A Call for Action: Moving Forward with Unity

It is crucial that we take action and stand firm in the face of these challenges. Rather than accepting these restrictions as fate, we must strive to change the status quo. Many of us feel that our efforts will be futile, but as one nurse shared, we must continue to push forward. By standing firm and working together, we can achieve the changes needed to create a fair and just environment for Muslim women in the medical profession.

May Allah grant us success in this endeavor, and may He guide us to overcome these obstacles and protect our rights as Muslim women.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

This ongoing struggle highlights the need for greater unity and determination within the Muslim community. It is not enough to simply complain about the challenges we face; we must take action, advocate for our rights, and support one another.