Gender discrimination in the emergency services: Female paramedic experiences in South Africa

Background:  Gender discrimination (GD), particularly that against women, remains a challenge in the workplace and paramedicine is no exception. Discrimination against women persists despite, in many cases, their being more qualified than their male counterparts. 

Aim:  The aim of this study was to explore GD in paramedicine using the perceptions and experiences of South African female emergency care practitioners (ECPs). 

Setting:  The study setting was within the Johannesburg area in South Africa, and targeted female ECPs. 

Methods:  This study used a qualitative description design to gather data using online or face-to-face interviews from seven participants. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, read vertically and horizontally, coded using ATLAS.ti version 22 software and analysed for categories and themes.

Results:  There were six dominant themes that emerged from the data: (1) GD remains prevalent in emergency medical services (EMS); (2) female ECPs were undermined in the workplace; (3) there were race factors related to GD; (4) gender stereotypes were based on physical capabilities; (5) the negative effects of GD in the workplace; and (6) maternal wall bias. 

Conclusion:  Gender discrimination against women in EMS persists with females being stereotyped, undermined and subject to maternal wall bias. Effects of GD on participants included psychological stress, feelings of inadequacy, isolation, sadness and self-doubt. 

Contribution: There is a paucity of research on GD in African EMS. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into GD in the EMS workplace and contribute to the growing body of knowledge related to GD worldwide.