Acta academica karviniensia 2025, 25(2):5-20 | DOI: 10.25142/aak.2025.008


Obstacles Faced by Female Employees in Male-Dominated Sectors: Evidence from Turkey

Merve Gözde Durmaz1, Benan Arda2, Yeşim Monus3
1 Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Ezine Food Specialization Organized Industrial Zone Vocational School, Balıklı Mücavir, Balıklı/Ezine/Çanakkale, Çanakkale-Center, 17000, Türkiye
2 Çanakkale-Center, 17000, Türkiye
3 Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale Social Sciences Vocational School, Barbaros, Terzioglu Campus, 17020 Canakkale Center/Canakkale, Çanakkale-Center, 17000, Türkiye

This study investigates the obstacles faced by female employees working in male-dominated sectors in Turkey, along with the underlying reasons and consequences of these obstacles. To achieve this aim, a qualitative research design was adopted, and in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 blue- and white-collar female employees from various sectors, including defense, engineering, administration, justice, labor, finance, and technical services. The participants were selected using a purposive sampling method to ensure diversity across occupations and organizational contexts. Thematic content analysis was applied to the interview data using the MAXQDA software. The findings reveal that women working in male-dominated sectors experience a variety of challenges, such as discrimination, limited career advancement, physical difficulties, lack of family support, and social stereotyping. Moreover, the study identifies both individual and organizational factors that influence women’s willingness to remain or change professions. Positive and negative approaches toward female employees, as well as practical suggestions to reduce gender-based discrimination, are also presented. The results emphasize the importance of organizational and societal awareness regarding gender inequality in Turkey’s labor market. The study offers practical recommendations for policymakers and sector representatives to develop gender-inclusive strategies that prevent sexism in the workplace and promote sustainable sectoral improvement.

Keywords: female employees, gender discrimination, male-dominated sectors, qualitative research, sexism in employment, Turkey, workplace inequality.
JEL classification: J16, J81, M54

Received: October 8, 2025; Revised: November 7, 2025; Accepted: December 3, 2025; Published: December 10, 2025  Show citation

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Durmaz MG, Arda B, Monus Y.
Obstacles Faced by Female Employees in Male-Dominated Sectors: Evidence from Turkey. Acta academica karviniensia. 2025;25(2):5-20. doi: 10.25142/aak.2025.008.
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