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‘Let Them Dare’: Women Break Barriers in Male-Dominated Fields Around the World
March 8 is International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate and recognize collective action toward gender parity.
Half of humanity is made up of women and girls, but there’s a long way to go until gender parity around the world — the UN’s goal by 2030 — is reached. How long, exactly?
At the current pace, it will take 300 years to stamp out child marriage, according to a 2023 report from the UN. Legal discrimination against women may take 286 years to abolish entirely. And achieving gender parity in workplace leadership roles? That’s estimated to take 140 years.
But there are many signs of progress. For example, the proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments has doubled from 13% in 1998 to 26% in 2022, according to the World Bank.
Global Press Journal’s all-women team of reporters didn’t have to look far to find women challenging patriarchal stereotypes. From firefighters to butchers, from mayors to carpenters, these women are making the world a better place for everyone — just by being themselves.
Sarantsetseg Otgontseren, Erdenebulgan, Arkhangai province, Mongolia
Emergency responder, call taker
“Women have equal intellectual capacity as men, although both have different physiques and physical strengths. For girls and women intending to work for these agencies, I would like to say that women should be more responsible and build their bodies and physique, and I wish that women would show men that we can have more patience and resilience than them.”
Emergency responder, call taker
“Women have equal intellectual capacity as men, although both have different physiques and physical strengths. For girls and women intending to work for these agencies, I would like to say that women should be more responsible and build their bodies and physique, and I wish that women would show men that we can have more patience and resilience than them.”
Aldegonde Kavugho Pilipili, Kirumba, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo
Butcher
“From 2015 to 2018, I was a secretary in a butcher shop. Then I decided I wanted to become a butcher. It was difficult when I started out because, in my country, it is seen as a man’s job. I was criticized. Today, I can thank myself for not giving up. Little by little, people started understanding me. I am proud I was able to carry on. I don’t think this job is for men only. It is a high-paying job. Young girls shouldn’t think it’s men only. We must break stereotypes to grow our businesses.”
Butcher
“From 2015 to 2018, I was a secretary in a butcher shop. Then I decided I wanted to become a butcher. It was difficult when I started out because, in my country, it is seen as a man’s job. I was criticized. Today, I can thank myself for not giving up. Little by little, people started understanding me. I am proud I was able to carry on. I don’t think this job is for men only. It is a high-paying job. Young girls shouldn’t think it’s men only. We must break stereotypes to grow our businesses.”
Lucía Ramírez, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico
Brewer at Cervecería Nepantla (Nepantla Brewery), member of Catadoras y Cerveceras de México (Women Tasters and Brewers of Mexico)
“Although there might not be people like you, you can be the first, and that can open things up for lots of other diverse people, too. It’s important that you dare to do it if you’re interested, even if you don’t see people there, because there are always ways to get inside of something. And once you find the starting point, you find ways to keep developing. Sometimes it seems like they’re closed off worlds, but there are always doors where you can get in. And we have the capacity to constantly gain knowledge and experience that can make us very brave in those spaces.”
Brewer at Cervecería Nepantla (Nepantla Brewery), member of Catadoras y Cerveceras de México (Women Tasters and Brewers of Mexico)
“Although there might not be people like you, you can be the first, and that can open things up for lots of other diverse people, too. It’s important that you dare to do it if you’re interested, even if you don’t see people there, because there are always ways to get inside of something. And once you find the starting point, you find ways to keep developing. Sometimes it seems like they’re closed off worlds, but there are always doors where you can get in. And we have the capacity to constantly gain knowledge and experience that can make us very brave in those spaces.”
Victoria Nangala, Wakiso district, Uganda
Carpenter and founder of Victoria Interiors, a furniture and interior business
“My mother is a tailor, and I learned the art from her. In 2020, I walked into a nearby workshop and told them, ‘I can sew and dress your sofas,’ and they took me in, and I became the best at my work. While there, I learned carpentry. I left the workshop in 2022 and started my own with only 1 million Ugandan shillings (about 258 United States dollars), and I kept growing the business. I wouldn’t eat the profits; I would put it back into the business. You can start with any money you have. Nobody will help you. You have to do it by yourself.”
Carpenter and founder of Victoria Interiors, a furniture and interior business
“My mother is a tailor, and I learned the art from her. In 2020, I walked into a nearby workshop and told them, ‘I can sew and dress your sofas,’ and they took me in, and I became the best at my work. While there, I learned carpentry. I left the workshop in 2022 and started my own with only 1 million Ugandan shillings (about 258 United States dollars), and I kept growing the business. I wouldn’t eat the profits; I would put it back into the business. You can start with any money you have. Nobody will help you. You have to do it by yourself.”
María Fernanda Joy Enríquez, Vega Baja, Puerto Rico
Recreational and sport fisherwoman
“To all the girls who want to be fisherwomen: Never hesitate. Do it. Try it out. Getting caught by a fishhook is one of the first things that will happen to you. Don’t be afraid of that. This is a wonderful sport. You’ll develop many skills, especially patience. Children have lots of access to everything with technology, and fishing will develop that patience in you, as well as the idea of wanting to do something differently to get a different result.”
“To all the girls who want to be fisherwomen: Never hesitate. Do it. Try it out. Getting caught by a fishhook is one of the first things that will happen to you. Don’t be afraid of that. This is a wonderful sport. You’ll develop many skills, especially patience. Children have lots of access to everything with technology, and fishing will develop that patience in you, as well as the idea of wanting to do something differently to get a different result.”
Niroshan Dajitha, Sirampiyadi Road, Jaffna, Sri Lanka
Photographer
“I have been working as a photographer for the past three years. Since my husband is already a photographer, after our wedding, I started curating the best of the photos taken at events with him as a pastime. Then, as a next step, I learned about the camera and started taking photos with my husband at events. In Jaffna, there are no women who go to events and take photographs. But I have been welcomed in the society. I do not consider society's opinion in choosing what I like. I've seen parents of the bride feel comfortable taking pre-wedding shoots. Just as women are entering all fields today, they should not be afraid to enter the photography industry.”
Photographer
“I have been working as a photographer for the past three years. Since my husband is already a photographer, after our wedding, I started curating the best of the photos taken at events with him as a pastime. Then, as a next step, I learned about the camera and started taking photos with my husband at events. In Jaffna, there are no women who go to events and take photographs. But I have been welcomed in the society. I do not consider society's opinion in choosing what I like. I've seen parents of the bride feel comfortable taking pre-wedding shoots. Just as women are entering all fields today, they should not be afraid to enter the photography industry.”
Clara Murengwa, Harare, Zimbabwe
Fuel attendant
“Most people who buy fuel here are men, and the expectation is that, as a woman, l cannot enforce the expected rules. Some men expect to get fuel free, and they take that advantage because I am a woman. They are not used to seeing women in such positions. All women in such roles should not be afraid to break barriers because we are all equal so the girl child can perform even better.”
Fuel attendant
“Most people who buy fuel here are men, and the expectation is that, as a woman, l cannot enforce the expected rules. Some men expect to get fuel free, and they take that advantage because I am a woman. They are not used to seeing women in such positions. All women in such roles should not be afraid to break barriers because we are all equal so the girl child can perform even better.”
Arielly González Pérez, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
Carpentry assistant
“If we surround ourselves with people who help us, see the growth in us and support us in what we want to do, we can do it. [Girls] can do everything they set out to do. If they do it with love and passion, let them dare. I see photos of things I like, for the house or a personal item, and I always say, ‘I can make that.’”
Carpentry assistant
“If we surround ourselves with people who help us, see the growth in us and support us in what we want to do, we can do it. [Girls] can do everything they set out to do. If they do it with love and passion, let them dare. I see photos of things I like, for the house or a personal item, and I always say, ‘I can make that.’”
Pabitra Devi Mahatara Prasain, Jhapa district, Nepal
Mayor of Birtamod municipality in Jhapa (the only female mayor in the eight municipalities of Jhapa)
“Initially, society doubted women’s ability to handle the demanding schedule of being in politics, which requires them to be ready to go anywhere at any time. However, there is no other option than to ignore all of these things and move forward. When I attend events, I notice that people have differing perspectives on male and female mayors. I face a challenge in proving myself among people who treat a male mayor with respect but find it difficult to show even basic formalities to a female mayor. Here, it is important to explain that we were elected mayors based on position rather than gender.”
Mayor of Birtamod municipality in Jhapa (the only female mayor in the eight municipalities of Jhapa)
“Initially, society doubted women’s ability to handle the demanding schedule of being in politics, which requires them to be ready to go anywhere at any time. However, there is no other option than to ignore all of these things and move forward. When I attend events, I notice that people have differing perspectives on male and female mayors. I face a challenge in proving myself among people who treat a male mayor with respect but find it difficult to show even basic formalities to a female mayor. Here, it is important to explain that we were elected mayors based on position rather than gender.”
Peace Najjumba, Kampala, Uganda
Welder
“Women are as strong as men and can do any job. Girls should know that they are as strong and capable as men when it comes to welding. Financial independence is important, so their sex should not limit them from trying out jobs mostly done by men. Despite the number of women and girls who train in metal and fabrication, the majority do not join the vocation because of the work environment. They think of how they will be viewed doing a ‘man’s job.’ I don’t care about how I am seen if I get paid.”
Welder
“Women are as strong as men and can do any job. Girls should know that they are as strong and capable as men when it comes to welding. Financial independence is important, so their sex should not limit them from trying out jobs mostly done by men. Despite the number of women and girls who train in metal and fabrication, the majority do not join the vocation because of the work environment. They think of how they will be viewed doing a ‘man’s job.’ I don’t care about how I am seen if I get paid.”
Tania Liz Medina Figueroa, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Captain in the Puerto Rico Fire Department
“It was a challenge, all the physical training we had to do, and then going to the fire stations and working on totally equal footing with the men, not just washing the truck but also driving it, handling fire emergencies. Fortunately, when that began, I was assigned to a group of more experienced firefighters who helped us a great deal. We were able to learn and grow a lot. Everyone chooses their path, but if a person has goals and aspires [to them] with discipline, they can be achieved. When the opportunity for me to become sergeant came up, I said, ‘This is it.’ And then I went for the [position of] captain and to be head of a district, and here I am. In an environment that is still masculine, it’s confidence and maintaining that character, that respect. But one also has to be empathetic, to create the trust for them to approach you and tell you, ‘Captain, I have a situation.’”
Captain in the Puerto Rico Fire Department
“It was a challenge, all the physical training we had to do, and then going to the fire stations and working on totally equal footing with the men, not just washing the truck but also driving it, handling fire emergencies. Fortunately, when that began, I was assigned to a group of more experienced firefighters who helped us a great deal. We were able to learn and grow a lot. Everyone chooses their path, but if a person has goals and aspires [to them] with discipline, they can be achieved. When the opportunity for me to become sergeant came up, I said, ‘This is it.’ And then I went for the [position of] captain and to be head of a district, and here I am. In an environment that is still masculine, it’s confidence and maintaining that character, that respect. But one also has to be empathetic, to create the trust for them to approach you and tell you, ‘Captain, I have a situation.’”
Shealtiel Choice Chimbwanda, Harare, Zimbabwe
Agricultural engineer at Irrigation Masters
“I grew up with a passion for agriculture, but as a woman, it's rare to get support, especially in fields that are deemed for men. You are always cultured to do what a lady is supposed to do. A few do get support. My parents wanted me to be a nurse, but I chose my own path and had to push to take a career I was passionate about. I urge young girls to push towards the path they want to take, not what others choose for them.”
Agricultural engineer at Irrigation Masters
“I grew up with a passion for agriculture, but as a woman, it's rare to get support, especially in fields that are deemed for men. You are always cultured to do what a lady is supposed to do. A few do get support. My parents wanted me to be a nurse, but I chose my own path and had to push to take a career I was passionate about. I urge young girls to push towards the path they want to take, not what others choose for them.”
Anjita Khanal, Kathmandu, Bagmati province, Nepal
The first woman General Secretary of the Central Executive Committee at the Nepal Bar Association, the federal Nepalese lawyers organization
“Women must enter the legal profession in order to improve judicial access for ordinary citizens. They must not only have the desire to practice law, hard work and honesty but also the strength to learn and persevere. It is also necessary for women to enter the legal profession to achieve equality in society. When women enter the legal profession, they feel empowered, and women who have been victims of injustice become aware that they can seek justice.”
The first woman General Secretary of the Central Executive Committee at the Nepal Bar Association, the federal Nepalese lawyers organization
“Women must enter the legal profession in order to improve judicial access for ordinary citizens. They must not only have the desire to practice law, hard work and honesty but also the strength to learn and persevere. It is also necessary for women to enter the legal profession to achieve equality in society. When women enter the legal profession, they feel empowered, and women who have been victims of injustice become aware that they can seek justice.”
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