MULHERES NO MERCADO DE TRABALHO

Abstract

This article investigates the challenges faced by women in the labor market, especially the difficulties of returning to work after periods of unemployment. The research, conducted through a community intervention at Universidade Cidade de São Paulo (UNICID), identified structural issues such as persistent gender stereotypes, lack of effective support policies, and financial barriers that limit opportunities. Data from IBGE (2022) show that Brazilian women still earn 17% less than men, and statistics from the World Economic Forum (2023) reveal their representation in strategic fields like technology and engineering does not exceed 23%. Additionally, the double work shift — balancing professional and domestic responsibilities — and the underrepresentation in leadership roles reinforce historical inequalities. The study also highlights how motherhood and the lack of appropriate support networks negatively affect women's career paths. To address these issues, the article proposes an integrated mentoring and training program focused on developing technical and emotional skills, as well as strategies to facilitate job reintegration. The initiative also aims to promote more inclusive corporate policies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5, which seeks to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. By combining practical actions with pressure for structural change, the project aims not only to reduce current disparities but also to create a more equitable and sustainable work environment for future generations.

Keywords: Gender; Work; Inequality; Women; Labor market.