Healthy Environments for Women in Academic Nursing: Addressing Sexual Harassment and Gender Discrimination

Abstract

Gender harassment, and retaliation for addressing discrimination, are pervasive in the higher education setting. Healthy work environments that prevent and eliminate gender harassment are necessary to fully support the leadership, career trajectories, and contributions of women in academic roles, including academic nursing. A synthesis of the evidence reveals that gender bias, even when subtle, results in limited hiring, promotion, and leadership opportunities for women in academia. A 2018 National Academies of Sciences, Medicine, and Engineering report provides the much needed action blueprint for academic sector-wide improvements. Recent federal-level attempts to improve the structures for gender equality by grant-funding agencies are a promising contemporary action to strengthen healthy work environments for women in academic careers. This article begins by offering basic definitions and examples and discusses both individual and organizational risk factors, a relevant Supreme Court decision and individual exemplars. The author also discusses initiatives and solutions and identifies gaps and future directions to eliminate sexual harassment and gender discrimination in academic settings.