Background: The level of gender inequality in this study was established at 78.4% implying that out of 10(ten) nurses, at least 8(eight) have experienced unfair treatment because of their gender as a student or a staff. Both male and female nurses face gender disparity among patients/attendants, colleagues, other health professionals, their community, and even family members. Male nurses have remained the minority in the profession bringing a striking numerical gender inequality in the nursing profession. The objective of this study is to determine factors influencing Gender inequality in the Nursing Profession among nurses and student nurses from selected hospitals and nurses training institutions in the Northern Cities of Uganda. Methodology:  A cross-sectional study design was used. Quantitative data were obtained from nurses and nursing students in selected study sites in Gulu, Lira, and Arua cities. The raw data was single -entered and analyzed using statistical software version 26 for analysis. Bivariate and univariate analysis methods were used to identify factors associated with gender inequality. Variables with a P-value of <0.05 with a 95% confidence interval were used to declare statistical significance. Results: 383 participants were interviewed. The level of gender inequality was established at 78.4%. Among the socio-demographic factors, gender (x 2=10.294, p-0.001), level of education attained (x 2=6.293, p-0.043), marital status (x 2=8.296, p-0.004) were significantly associated to gender inequality in the nursing profession. Conclusion: The prevalence of gender inequality in this study was 78.4%. Men remain the minority in the profession at 26.4%. Recommendations:  The study recommends that quick comprehensive combined action is needed from government Ministries, nurses councils; NGOs, and international bodies fighting for gender equality to save the nursing profession from inequality. This action will contribute to the achievement of gender equality for all in all spheres of life.

The striking level of gender inequality (GI) in the nursing profession (NP), is partially influenced by some individual related factors. The 26.4% male, mostly suffers psychological abuse and discrimination for being academic failures but some nurses appreciates them. It's confirmed that all nurses are academically qualified though graduate nurses are only 6% and Muslims, 3.7%. 9.1% of respondents revealed that patients/attendants mistreatment by some nurses triggered their nursing choice. The main study objectives was to established the factors influencing GI in the NP among nurses and student nurses from the selected hospital and nurses training institution in the Northern Cities of Uganda. Methodology:A cross-sectional study design was used to obtained quantitative data from the respondents. Trained research assistants used a pretested structured English questionnaire to obtain raw data which were single entered and analyzed using statistical software version 26. Frequency tables and graphs were used to describe the study variables. Univaraite and bivariate analysis methods were used to identify factors associated with GI. Variables with P-value of <0.05 with 95% confidence interval were used to declare statistical significance.Results: 383 interviewed participants generated 95.6% responses. Perpetuator of gender discrimination in the NP are mainly patients/attendants and nurses/students. 35.5% of the respondents believed that male nurses are using nursing as a stepping stone to other medical courses. Gender, education level, religious affiliation, training level, experience of discrimination and recommended gender for NP were the individual related factors that were significantly associated to GI in the NP Conclusion:Gender inequality in the NP is greatly influenced by individual related factors despite other factors. The stigmatised male nurses avoids the professional uniform to probably meet the public expectation of them being doctors.Recommendation: Swift multidisciplinary action is needed for a comprehensive and collaborative mind set change of the public about NP.

Introduction: The striking level of gender inequality (GI) in the nursing profession (NP) is also influenced by community-related factors. 81.3% of preferences and choices for NP were determined by gender roles. Caring and nurturing (64.2%) were the major female gender roles associated with nursing, a potential reason for 73.6% of female nurses.   Patients/attendants and staff calls female nurses “sisters”, a traditional concept associated with their communal gender roles. Various individuals are nurses for different community-motivating reasons. Largely, 36.1% of rude nurses, possibly intervene. Community male nurses' perception discourages most males from the female-dominated profession.  Friends/peers are the leading community perpetrator of GI in NP.  The main study objective was to determine factors influencing gender inequality in the nursing profession among nurses and student nurses in the selected hospitals and nurses training institutions in the northern cities of Uganda.  Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was used to obtain quantitative data from respondents. Trained research assistants acquired raw data using a pretested structured English questionnaire. Data were single-entered and analyzed using statistical software version 26. Study variables were described using Frequency tables and graphs. Univariate and bivariate analysis methods were used to identify factors associated with GI. Variables with a P-value of <0.05 with a 95% confidence interval were used to declare statistical significance.  Results: 95.6% of responses were achieved. Community gender challenge for Becoming a Nurse (X 2=17.907, p-0.000) was significantly associated with GI in NP. Friends/peers are the main community perpetrator of gender discrimination (42.4%). Academic failures (32.1%) and doctors (29.5%) were the foremost community perception of male nurses.   Conclusion:  Family and community support is key to gender equality in NP for the achievement of SDGs and health targets. Recommendation: More research is needed to strengthen policies in the NP.