Table 1 Illustration of the coding procedure from condensed meaning units to themes

To win confidence, I act like “one of the guys” or use my charm

Acting like one of the guys

Using my charm

Taking part in the jargon

Manoeuvring to manage

I try to be ugly to avoid harassment

Adapting appearance

Adapting themselves

Weird atmosphere when I kept distant

Kept away

Avoiding

My supervisor said to the patient: “I have a young, pretty girl here, it’s okay if she tags along, right”?

Comments on appearance

Compliments and comments

Facing compliments, comments, and jargon

The head physician continuously made derogatory jokes about women

Doctors making derogatory jokes about women

Tough jargon

I had to give him a certain kind of attention

Demands for a certain attention

Sexual innuendos and invitations