Translation of publicist’s post (RUS)

Women have always sought, and continue to seek, equality with men. This applies to the job market as well. Statistics show that there are very few professions without at least a minimal female presence, whereas there are certain professions where it is practically impossible to find men. Of course, Kazakh laws prevent women from working certain jobs involving heavy manual labor or personal risk.

A Bit of History

Only recently has female labor been treated with such care. It used to be that the fair sex was employed in any capacity, regardless of physical intensity. For example, in the 1930s, when the country was industrializing, women worked as cement mixers, masons, diggers, peat cutters, unskilled laborers and metalworkers.

In fact, according to the Soviet magazine “Rabotnitsa” (“Female Worker”), metalworking was a job especially suited for women. The most prestigious occupations for women included driving tractors and trucks, weaving, parachuting, flying and building aircraft – in other words, anything involving mastering technology and proving that there is no gender gap.

What about Today?

There is currently a whole list of jobs (over 400) that have restrictions for female labor. The majority of them involve working underground, lifting heavy things, and being exposed to toxic fumes or explosives. Many women no longer strive to prove their skills in all spheres, instead occupying those positions that are most suited to the female personality type. Here is a list of professions where women are encountered more frequently than men.

1. Secretary
2. Human Resources
3. Office Manager
4. Tourism Manager
5. Accountant/Auditor
6. Landscape Designer
7. Call Center Operator
8. Nurse
9. Teacher
10. Brand Manager

Many factors could account for the popularity of these professions among women, including the ability to multitask, which is necessary for secretaries and office managers, or to give care and attention, which is necessary for working with children and hospital patients. These qualities are more commonly found in women than in men.

However, in professions like sales managing, PR managing, law, architecture, ecology, journalism and fitness instruction men and women have an equal chance to develop their professional and personal qualities.

In any case, the choice of one profession over another should promote one’s career growth, but also not get in the way of one’s personal life. This subject is widely discussed by the WageIndicator Foundation, which has helped many women in different countries around the world make the right choice for their future.