Table 2 Data analysis process
Exemplar Meaning Unit (Quote) | Code | Category | Sub-theme | Theme |
|---|---|---|---|---|
“My parents… believe a woman’s ultimate goal is marriage and motherhood. I feel caught between their dreams and my ambitions.” | Marriage | Societal Expectations | Family Pressure | The Marriage Mandate: Negotiating Family, Tradition, and Professional Aspirations |
“The unspoken societal expectation is always there… It’s a constant reminder that my value as a woman is tied to my marital status.” | Norms | Societal Pressure | Internalized Norms | The Marriage Mandate: Negotiating Family, Tradition, and Professional Aspirations |
“I refuse to let societal expectations dictate my future… I want to become a skilled doctor and make a difference.” | Defiance | Agency & Resistance | Defying Norms | The Marriage Mandate: Negotiating Family, Tradition, and Professional Aspirations |
“When I expressed my interest in cardiology, some doctors suggested pediatrics or OB/GYN instead, saying those were ‘more suitable’ for women.” | Stereotypes | Gender Bias in Medicine | Specialty Stereotypes | The Gendered Clinic: Unveiling Bias in Medical Education and Practice |
“In many of our textbooks… women’s health issues are often relegated to specific chapters or presented as variations of the male norm.” | Curriculum | Gender Bias in Curriculum | Lack of Inclusivity | The Gendered Clinic: Unveiling Bias in Medical Education and Practice |
“I felt like I had to work twice as hard to prove myself. Some of the male surgeons would dismiss my questions or make condescending remarks.” | “BoysClub” | Gender Bias in Clinical Practice | “Boys’ Club” Mentality | The Gendered Clinic: Unveiling Bias in Medical Education and Practice |
“My parents mortgaged our land… They often talk about how my future husband needs to be well-educated and financially secure.” | Expectation | Financial Burden | Family Expectations | Investing in Daughters, Expecting Returns: The Gendered Economics of Medical Education |
“I feel a deep sense of obligation… It makes me question my desire to pursue a career in public health, which may not be as lucrative.” | Debt | “Daughter Debt” | Career Choices | Investing in Daughters, Expecting Returns: The Gendered Economics of Medical Education |
“I want to break that cycle. I want to use my education to achieve my own goals and contribute to society.” | Empowerment | Agency & Empowerment | Challenging Norms | Investing in Daughters, Expecting Returns: The Gendered Economics of Medical Education |
“Going abroad for further studies… It’s a chance to create my own path and define success on my own terms. It feels like a passport to freedom.” | Freedom | Transnational Mobility | Seeking Liberation | Transnational Aspirations: Negotiating Mobility, Marriage, and Medical Careers |
“My family… want me to get married before I leave… It’s a delicate balancing act, trying to navigate my aspirations while respecting their wishes.” | Negotiation | Family & Cultural Norms | Negotiating Expectations | Transnational Aspirations: Negotiating Mobility, Marriage, and Medical Careers |
“I believe that pursuing further studies abroad will… expose me to different healthcare systems… and bring those experiences back to Nepal.” | Impact | Global Perspective | Local Impact | Transnational Aspirations: Negotiating Mobility, Marriage, and Medical Careers |
“I refuse to accept the status quo… I actively voice my opinions… and advocate for gender equality within the medical college.” | Challenge | Challenging Norms | Activism & Advocacy | Claiming Space: Agency, Resistance, and Redefining Success in the Medical Profession |
“I want to be a skilled and compassionate doctor, but I also want to have a fulfilling life outside of medicine… I believe that achieving a balance is essential.” | Balance | Redefining Success | Work-Life Balance | Claiming Space: Agency, Resistance, and Redefining Success in the Medical Profession |
“I actively mentor younger female students… By building a strong network… we can create a more inclusive and empowering environment.” | Solidarity | Mentorship & Solidarity | Supporting Each Other | Claiming Space: Agency, Resistance, and Redefining Success in the Medical Profession |