Table 2.

Data analysis process

Exemplar Meaning Unit (Quote)	Code	Category	Sub-theme	Theme
“My parents… believe a woman’s ultimate goal is marriage and motherhood. I feel caught between their dreams and my ambitions.”	Marriage	Societal Expectations	Family Pressure	The Marriage Mandate: Negotiating Family, Tradition, and Professional Aspirations
“The unspoken societal expectation is always there… It’s a constant reminder that my value as a woman is tied to my marital status.”	Norms	Societal Pressure	Internalized Norms	The Marriage Mandate: Negotiating Family, Tradition, and Professional Aspirations
“I refuse to let societal expectations dictate my future… I want to become a skilled doctor and make a difference.”	Defiance	Agency & Resistance	Defying Norms	The Marriage Mandate: Negotiating Family, Tradition, and Professional Aspirations
“When I expressed my interest in cardiology, some doctors suggested pediatrics or OB/GYN instead, saying those were ‘more suitable’ for women.”	Stereotypes	Gender Bias in Medicine	Specialty Stereotypes	The Gendered Clinic: Unveiling Bias in Medical Education and Practice
“In many of our textbooks… women’s health issues are often relegated to specific chapters or presented as variations of the male norm.”	Curriculum	Gender Bias in Curriculum	Lack of Inclusivity	The Gendered Clinic: Unveiling Bias in Medical Education and Practice
“I felt like I had to work twice as hard to prove myself. Some of the male surgeons would dismiss my questions or make condescending remarks.”	“BoysClub”	Gender Bias in Clinical Practice	“Boys’ Club” Mentality	The Gendered Clinic: Unveiling Bias in Medical Education and Practice
“My parents mortgaged our land… They often talk about how my future husband needs to be well-educated and financially secure.”	Expectation	Financial Burden	Family Expectations	Investing in Daughters, Expecting Returns: The Gendered Economics of Medical Education
“I feel a deep sense of obligation… It makes me question my desire to pursue a career in public health, which may not be as lucrative.”	Debt	“Daughter Debt”	Career Choices	Investing in Daughters, Expecting Returns: The Gendered Economics of Medical Education
“I want to break that cycle. I want to use my education to achieve my own goals and contribute to society.”	Empowerment	Agency & Empowerment	Challenging Norms	Investing in Daughters, Expecting Returns: The Gendered Economics of Medical Education
“Going abroad for further studies… It’s a chance to create my own path and define success on my own terms. It feels like a passport to freedom.”	Freedom	Transnational Mobility	Seeking Liberation	Transnational Aspirations: Negotiating Mobility, Marriage, and Medical Careers
“My family… want me to get married before I leave… It’s a delicate balancing act, trying to navigate my aspirations while respecting their wishes.”	Negotiation	Family & Cultural Norms	Negotiating Expectations	Transnational Aspirations: Negotiating Mobility, Marriage, and Medical Careers
“I believe that pursuing further studies abroad will… expose me to different healthcare systems… and bring those experiences back to Nepal.”	Impact	Global Perspective	Local Impact	Transnational Aspirations: Negotiating Mobility, Marriage, and Medical Careers
“I refuse to accept the status quo… I actively voice my opinions… and advocate for gender equality within the medical college.”	Challenge	Challenging Norms	Activism & Advocacy	Claiming Space: Agency, Resistance, and Redefining Success in the Medical Profession
“I want to be a skilled and compassionate doctor, but I also want to have a fulfilling life outside of medicine… I believe that achieving a balance is essential.”	Balance	Redefining Success	Work-Life Balance	Claiming Space: Agency, Resistance, and Redefining Success in the Medical Profession
“I actively mentor younger female students… By building a strong network… we can create a more inclusive and empowering environment.”	Solidarity	Mentorship & Solidarity	Supporting Each Other	Claiming Space: Agency, Resistance, and Redefining Success in the Medical Profession