Sudanese female doctors in paediatrics.

Though the number of female medical graduates has increased throughout the world, their postgraduate professional achievements are said to be suboptimal. Our aim is to look into the achievements of Sudanese female pediatricians and compare them with their male counterparts. A cross sectional study was undertaken using a questionnaire involving pediatricians working in the universities and Ministry of Health, Sudan. Ninety five (65.1%) out of 146 pediatricians responded; 73 (76.8%) were females and 22 (23.2%) were males. Thirty (41%) Of the females were in the academic career. Only 2 (8.3%) out of 24 assistant professors were promoted to associate professors and non of the four associate professors managed to become a professor compared to 68% and 25% among males, respectively. Twenty three (76.6%) of females compared to 31% of males had no publications. Nineteen out of 21 females (90.4%) who have been offered training opportunities abroad declined the offer for family reasons. Fifty four (93%) female pediatricians declined to work outside the capital state. No nursery facilities were available at work place. The main reasons for inadequate achievements included family issues, cultural obstacles, lack of mentorships and unsatisfying work environment and facilities. Suggestions were put forward to improve on these problems. Though female doctors are the majority of undergraduate and graduate students in Sudan, their professional and academic achievements after specialization are not optimal mainly for socio-cultural reasons and these need to be addressed.