Vivências laborais de mulheres em cargos de liderança no contexto do segmento de infraestrutura de transporte

Abstract

The discrimination faced by women in the labor market as a whole is not a new phenomenon; on the contrary, it has been historically documented beyond workrelated contexts. Despite possessing higher levels of education, they are often undervalued in relation to their professional qualifications, receiving lower salaries and facing the burden of double or triple work shifts – balancing career, studies, and domestic responsibilities. Historically, women have been associated with caregiving, service, and the private sphere. This context, particularly in the realm of work, underscores the relevance of analyzing the professional experiences of women in leadership positions, especially in spaces historically dominated by men. A illustrative field of such a situation is in Engineering, especially Civil Engineering and the transportation infrastructure sector. It is within this backdrop that the current research sought to critically examine the labor experiences of women in leadership roles within this sector. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze, based on their work experiences, the leadership styles developed by women in road infrastructure projects. The study employed qualitative research methods, supported by narrative inquiry and inspired by oral history. Four women holding leadership positions in this sector were interviewed. The research facilitated critical examination of historical and contemporary data, intertwining them with the narratives of women working in the construction industry, particularly in infrastructure. Key insights from these experiences suggest that reflection on these experiences can inspire other female engineers to pursue leadership roles, encouraging them to continuously seek knowledge despite obstacles.