Breaking Barriers: Women's Motivations and Retention Strategies in Male-Dominated Occupations in Chile

Despite the increased participation of women in the labor market over recent decades, in Latin America significant gender-based occupational segregation persists. Based on strong patriarcal norms, this segregation continues to perpetuate women's unequal positions in terms of income, power distribution, and access to opportunities in society. Research on the integration of women into male-dominated jobs has predominantly focused on Global North countries and formal sectors. This paper aims to analyze the motivations for entry and the strategies for retention employed by women working in highly masculinized sectors in the Valparaíso region of Chile. Using a qualitative methodology based on semi-structured interviews, we present a case study of four women working in the artisanal fishing and port sectors. The findings reveal that the motivations for labor insertion are primarily anchored in: i) economic needs and the pursuit of job stability; ii) family continuity; iii) gender equality advocacy. Additionally, to remain and advance in their positions, these women deploy strategies that, through a strategic use of gender, challenge both adaptation to and resistance against a masculinized work culture. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of women's entry into non-traditional, gender-based occupations within the structural heterogeneity of Latin American labor markets. This presentación is part of of the research project "Descentering Gender inequalities", Chile (ATE 210051).