Authors Shabnam Shamim Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and Karachi Medical and Dental College, Karachi Metropolitan University. Amna Begum Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and Karachi Medical and Dental College, Karachi Metropolitan University. Aimen Asim Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and Karachi Medical and Dental College, Karachi Metropolitan University. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58397/6qsqnx91 Keywords: Gender identity, Educational experiences, Reproductive health Abstract

Objective: In the study, the complex and sensitive research question was addressed by utilizing a pragmatist approach with feminism and intersectionality theoretical lenses being applied throughout the methodology, data collection and the data analysis.
Methods: This qualitative study utilized six focus group discussions from the study participants which were Asian, Muslim male medical students of Karachi Medical & Dental College, Pakistan. A qualitative framework analysis approach was applied for the rich data gathered through focus group. Themes and sub-themes were identified to in alignment with the identified research problem.
Results: The results revealed that the Asian Muslim medical students perceive their gender identities to influence on their educational experiences and workplace power differentials during OB-GYN clinical rotation. Male students perceived a negative influence of their gendered identity in OB-GYN. Looking through an intersectionality lens, the male students were found to feel disempowered resulting in OB-GYN not being considered as a future career specialty of choice.
Conclusion: The intersection of gender and professional identities of male medical students can create professional barriers to workplace learning in female dominated fields like OB-GYN. This in turn strengthens the female dominated environment in OB-GYN and compromises professional diversity in the field of Reproductive Health.

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