Background: Gender equality is a foundational aspect of the nursing profession. However, there is limited documentation of how gender considerations were incorporated into policy-making during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explored nurses’ perspectives on gender equality policies during the pandemic response phase. Materials and Methods: A qualitative content analysis was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 14 nurses working in COVID-19 wards. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, continuing until data saturation. Data were analyzed following Graneheim and Lundman’s method. Results: The central theme identified was "gender inequality in management policies and resource allocation," derived from four categories: inefficient management, inequality in interactions, inequality in resource management, and inadequate attention to staff needs. Nurses reported experiencing gender bias in decision-making and observed unequal access to resources and support during the pandemic. Discussion: Participants highlighted systemic gender disparities in management approaches during the crisis, including ineffective leadership and inequitable resource distribution. These findings are consistent with global evidence on gender-based inequalities during emergencies. To address these issues, the study recommends establishing gender-balanced leadership teams, implementing routine audits of resource distribution, and providing training in gender-sensitive management for healthcare administrators. Conclusion: Nurses perceived significant gender inequality in policy-making during the COVID-19 response phase. Health system leaders and policymakers should prioritize gender equity in all stages of disaster preparedness and response. Further research is necessary to explore gender perspectives in similar high-stress healthcare environments.
Yaghmaei et al. (Wed,) studied this question.