Gender equality

Gender segregation means that in certain industries, or certain positions there will be more (or predominantly) females, whereas in others far more (or mostly) males.

Gender segregation may be horizontal or vertical. In the case of horizontal segregation the fact is that certain professions are perceived as masculine and others as feminine. For example, ICT is perceived as masculine, while nursing as feminine. Decrease in prestige and evaluation of professions that are represented by women is a significant impact of segregation. Due to the stereotypical understanding of femininity and masculinity "female" professions are in fact considered to be easy, routine and supportive, while male´s are perceived as challenging, creative and burdensome.

Vertical segregation refers to the representation of women and men in the hierarchy of professions. Men take more leadership and decision-making professions, take responsibility, and women occupy less executive positions and undertake supportive activities. Here several factors also play a role. Besides stereotypical perceptions of male and female work, the capabilities of women and men and division of labour in the family play a role in the reality. Women often bear the responsibility for housework and family care, which excludes them from work meetings in the evenings or training outside the workplace. More balanced division of labour in the family and supportive measures by employers (inviting women on maternity and parental leave to training and meetings, training and meetings during working hours and at the work place, company nurseries and kindergartens for families with children, etc.) could eliminate Gender segregation.

Especially in the case of "male" professions the phenomenon called the glass ceiling plays an important role. It is a kind of "invisible barrier" that prevents women from career progression, as if they could proceed only up to a certain border, beyond which they can never move. In a case with several candidates for a promotion, "unconscious" Gender stereotypes and prejudices about masculinity and femininity play a role.

In contrast, in "female" professions, and also in career promotions for really decisive positions, men are supported by the phenomenon called the glass elevator. On the basis of stereotypical assumptions in favour of men the idea of the greater efficiency, rationality, responsibility, loyalty and professionalism of men “plays” a role.