International Women’s Day 2025: Overcoming Challenges and Supporting Women in Forensic Psychiatry

International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the contributions and achievements of women. Today we look at women in forensic psychiatry, highlighting the progress made in the field and recognising female leaders. 

As a female consultant forensic psychiatrist and medical lead for the forensic division, Dr. Hannah Sayeed faces several challenges: 

"Balancing the demands of a high-stress job, personal life, and family responsibilities can be particularly challenging for women. Often, putting oneself first and looking after one's health and well-being is very important but frequently ignored. Maintaining a good work-life balance has always been non-negotiable but very tricky for me," says Dr. Sayeed. 

Forensic psychiatry can be male-dominated, leading to a culture that is less inclusive or supportive of women. "There may be stereotypes or biases related to women's capabilities in leadership roles, potentially impacting our authority and decision-making. You may encounter biases or resistance from patients who have preconceived notions about women in forensic psychiatry," she explains. 

Working with forensic populations can raise safety concerns, and female professionals may have to navigate these considerations differently. 

Addressing these challenges involved seeking supportive networks, engaging in professional development, and advocating for systemic changes within her workplace. 

"My journey has not been without these challenges, but I have been very lucky to be surrounded by like-minded women. We have picked each other up and cheered each other on!" Dr. Sayeed shares. 

The Significance of International Women's Day 

"As a psychiatrist, International Women’s Day is a strong reminder of the importance of mental health and well-being for women, advocating for better support systems in both professional and personal contexts," Dr. Sayeed emphasises. 

"As a female, International Women’s Day highlights female role models and leaders, inspiring the next generation of women and encouraging them to pursue leadership positions. It serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made and the work still needed to ensure that women working in mental health and beyond are empowered, supported, and celebrated," she adds. 

Supporting Women in Leadership Roles 

The NHS can take several steps to better support women in leadership roles says Dr Sayeed, particularly in fields like forensic psychiatry. Some of these include: 

"I have been fortunate enough to work in a trust that promotes these steps, creating a more supportive environment for women in leadership positions within the NHS," Dr. Sayeed notes.