Unveiling Sexual Harassment in Surgery: the Experiences of Female Surgeons in Africa

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: Sexual harassment is defined as any non-consensual sexual behaviour that violates someone’s dignity or creates a hostile environment. The unsettlingly commonplace nature of sexual harassment in surgery has been highlighted worldwide. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the experience of female surgeons in Africa. Objective: To explore and document the experience of female surgeons in Africa of sexual harassment. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional survey was distributed via WhatsApp to female surgeons across Africa between March to May 2025. Questions focused on demographics, quantifying experiences, and suggestions for reducing sexual harassment in the workplace. Results were analysed on Microsoft excel using descriptive analysis. Results: One hundred and five (105) female surgeons responded to the questionnaire, with a mean age of 39.12 years (± 7.84 SD). Most respondents (79.4%) had experienced a form of sexual harassment, ranging from sexual innuendos, unsolicited sexual advances, inappropriate physical touch, sexual assault and 2.9% even reported rape. Most participants were junior registrars when they experienced sexual harassment (64.2%). 45.7% experienced sexual harassment in the workplace and 44.4% both in the workplace and at home. 61.1% of  incidents in the workplace occurred in operating theatres. Furthermore, 76.4% of sexual harassment incidents were initiated by senior colleagues and the perpetrators were predominantly male (94.4%). Only 13.7% of those who experienced sexual harassment reported their experience, a majority of which resulted in no sanctions for the perpetrator. Conclusion: The rate of sexual harassment experienced by female surgeons in Africa is disconcertingly high, reflecting the data shared worldwide.