“Beyond Marriage: Encouraging Female Doctors to Pursue Their Careers”
By: Arisha Irshad Ali
“In the past, Pakistani families would often seek a bride who was a doctor, thinking that her profession would be an asset to the family. However, pursuing a doctorate degree requires immense energy and dedication, which can leave a woman with little time for family responsibilities. Despite this, many Pakistani girls have excelled in the MDCAT exam, securing a high number of seats in the MBBS program. Unfortunately, less than 50% of them continue to practice medicine after marriage, as they often face pressure from their in-laws to prioritize family over their career.
As a result, I have come to believe that we should prioritize giving boys a higher number of seats in medical school, as they have more opportunities to pursue their profession without the added burden of family responsibilities. In Pakistan, we desperately need female doctors to care for female patients, especially in a society where many people prefer to consult a female doctor due to cultural and religious reasons.
However, the reality is that many girls are encouraged to become doctors solely to secure a good marriage proposal. This is a sad truth that needs to be addressed. Research studies have shown a steep decline in the number of female doctors, and it is essential that we support our female doctors and allow them to pursue their careers without added pressure from their families.
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Ultimately, I urge the women of Pakistan to support their daughters-in-law and help them balance their careers and family responsibilities. By doing so, we can add value to people’s lives and create a more supportive and inclusive society.”
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