A cross-sectional survey evaluating gender discrimination among male and female medical students belonging to various medical colleges across all provinces of Pakistan

Background Gender discrimination in medical education remains a pervasive issue in Pakistan. Cultural norms, patriarchal expectations, and systemic biases contribute to unequal treatment, affecting both male and female students’ academic experiences, mental health, and career trajectories. Prior studies have highlighted these disparities, but comprehensive nationwide data have been lacking. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed to medical students and recent graduates across public and private institutions in Pakistan. Non-probability purposive sampling was employed. The survey assessed perceptions, experiences, and impacts of gender discrimination. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v27 and R v4.4.2, with Chi-square tests applied to assess significance across demographic variables. Results Out of 409 respondents (205 females, 204 males), 64% reported experiencing gender discrimination. Discrimination was most commonly attributed to male peers, followed by female peers, faculty, and administrative staff. Key forms included denied opportunities (43.8%), neglect, unethical talk, biased grading, and stereotyping. No statistically significant differences were found across medical year (p = 0.292), province (p = 0.109), or residence (p = 0.751), indicating a nationwide prevalence. Emotional responses included frustration (32.6%), anger (32.6%), and helplessness (22.5%). Only 4.9% formally reported incidents, citing fear of retaliation and lack of trust in institutional response. Conclusion Gender discrimination is a widespread and underreported issue in Pakistani medical education, affecting students across all demographics, calling for the need for institutional reforms and targeted awareness programs. Addressing these disparities is essential in providing an equitable and inclusive environment for future healthcare professionals.