Kvinnor i ledande positioner i en mansdominerad bransch

Sammanfattning: This qualitative study has been focused on investigating and comparing the opportunities and obstacles for women to take on leadership positions in a male dominated industry. Despite the fact that women in leadership positions have increased over time, the fact remains that leading positions are male dominated which makes it harder for women to pursue careers on higher levels. The study’s theoretical framework consists of pedagogical theories about gender equality systems, male dominated organizations, homosociality and organizational culture . To make a foundation that includes a broad perspective to this work, both existing and previous female leaders were interviewed to draw attention to their experiences and in turn comparing similarities and differences between them. According to the purpose of this study, an analysis of  the relation between the ones that are staying and the possibilities that the company offers have also been carried out through this study. To make a difference and to continue to achieve improvement of equal conditions, the greatest development potential comes by identifying, questioning and analyzing the process of where the company is today, where they want to be followed by the possibilities to make it happen. This perspective was an aspect to achieve improvements to create a sustainable gender equality work over time. The result of the women first named experiences showed the same opportunities to reach leading positions regardless of gender and no perceived obstacles were named. Through a closer analysis , the women experienced obstacles in a more hidden form. The women also described that they have to make more effort than men in working life, which may indicate that there are difficulties for women in male-dominated organizations to be able to reach leadership positions.