LIFE and the Association of Managers conducted a study on the market of "male" professions

Modern women are increasingly mastering professions that have long been considered "masculine" and are making progress in this. This conclusion was reached by experts based on the data from the study "Women Leaders: Challenges, Solutions, strategies", which was conducted by the Association of Managers and the portal for International Women's Day. Life.ru .

The survey was attended by top managers and employees of more than 130 Russian companies from various sectors of the economy. The results showed that despite the still existing gender stereotypes, women are increasingly taking leadership positions and building careers in areas previously dominated by men, from industry and aviation to professional sports.

However, the path to such positions is still accompanied by barriers. A quarter of the study participants identified gender bias as the main obstacle. Another 29% noted the difference in salaries between men and women in similar managerial positions. Other obstacles faced by women include double standards for evaluating results (13%) and the need to constantly prove their competence (11%).

Nevertheless, the experience of the study participants shows that professional qualities are gradually replacing prejudices. Moreover, businesses are increasingly noting a number of advantages of women's presence in traditionally male-dominated fields. According to the survey, 63% of respondents consider an alternative view of the usual processes to be the main advantage. Another 51% believe that women help break down gender stereotypes, while 34% note high emotional intelligence, the ability to find compromises in conflict situations, and creativity in solving technical problems.

Experts also highlighted valuable competencies that help women in leadership positions: multitasking (64%), attention to detail (39%), patience and perseverance (25%).

The stories of women working in "male" professions confirm these conclusions. So, the midfielder of the Dynamo women's football club, Isidora Vuchkovich, came to the sport thanks to her family: her father was a professional football player and coach. "Sports have no gender. There is quality, work, and results," says Isidora. According to Vuckovich, the main lesson that professional sports provides is the ability to perceive difficulties as part of the path.

Margarita Sapunova, the pilot and commander of an S7 Airlines aircraft, is another illustrative example. She fell in love with aviation during her skydiving days as a student. Today, she manages passenger liners and admits that the reaction of passengers to a female commander can sometimes be unexpected: "At first people are surprised, and after the flight they convey words of gratitude."

Experts note that the increase in the number of women in traditionally "male" professions is associated with several factors at once: automation of production, staff shortages and the lifting of some legislative restrictions on work in certain industries. More and more companies are reviewing their HR policies and creating conditions that allow them to attract and retain female specialists.

The study participants themselves recommend that aspiring professional women not pay attention to gender stereotypes, but also invest in education and professional connections, not be afraid to discuss salary increases and learn to maintain a balance between career and personal life.