10 Professions Women Struggled to Access

Long before the peak of the women's liberation movement, skilled women were performing the same tasks as men but without recognition or fair compensation. Even now, women earn approximately 77 percent of what men do, reflecting less than a 15 percent improvement over the past four decades.

For decades, women were unfairly labeled as the inferior gender — deemed emotionally fragile, physically weaker, and intellectually lacking. However, as women began to assert themselves, it became clear that intelligence was not the issue. In fact, their emotional depth and physical differences provided a complementary skill set to their male counterparts. Despite this, women have faced significant challenges in the workforce. Here are 10 careers where women had to overcome substantial barriers to gain entry.

NEXT: 10: Higher Education

10: Higher Education

Women gained university admission in 1848, but their enrollment was met with significant opposition and skepticism. Many believed women lacked the intellectual capacity for higher education, and there were fears that educated women would be unsuitable as wives and mothers or fail to attract husbands. Interestingly, over half of the first generation of college graduates either postponed marriage for careers or chose careers over marriage. Today, women outnumber men among college graduates.

NEXT: 9: Journalism

9: Journalism

Journalists wield immense influence, but women faced significant hurdles in making their voices heard. Historically, while men dominated frontline news reporting, women were often confined to covering domestic and lifestyle topics. Although women gained ground in print journalism, the advent of radio and television initially favored men, who were seen as more authoritative news deliverers. Over time, determined female journalists shattered stereotypes and contributed to breaking the glass ceiling.

NEXT: 8: Authors

8: Authors

Women have been producing literary works for nearly as long as men, yet their contributions haven't always been met with equal appreciation. Many celebrated female authors from the past published their works under male pseudonyms to gain acceptance. Even contemporary writer Joanne Rowling was advised to conceal her gender, as her publishers feared it might deter young male readers. This led to the iconic name J.K. Rowling, the celebrated author of the Harry Potter series.

NEXT: 7: Medicine

7: Medicine

In a profession historically dominated by figures like Florence Nightingale rather than Jonas Salk, women have faced significant challenges in achieving parity with their male counterparts in medicine. Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman admitted to medical school in 1847, though her acceptance was based on the assumption she would fail. She graduated at the top of her class but struggled to find employment, eventually establishing her own clinic. Her determination and accomplishments laid the foundation for future generations of women in medicine.

NEXT: 6: Religion

6: Religion

Antoinette Blackwell made history in 1853 as the first woman ordained as a Congregationalist minister, though her ordination was never officially recognized by the denomination. She later transitioned to Unitarianism. While Unitarians and Methodists began ordaining women in the late 19th century, other Christian denominations delayed until the 20th century. The first female rabbi in the U.S. was ordained in 1974, and the Episcopal Church ordained 11 women in 1976 before reversing its policy. Today, female Episcopal ministers exist, but the Catholic Church still does not ordain women as priests.

NEXT: 5: Armed Forces

5: Armed Forces

From Molly Pitcher's bravery at the Battle of Fort Washington to the countless women who disguised themselves as men to fight in the Civil War, women have long contributed to the Armed Forces. However, it wasn't until World War II that they gained full military status, albeit limited to roles like cooks and nurses. It was only in the 1990s that restrictions were lifted, allowing women to serve in combat positions.

NEXT: 4: Politics

4: Politics

Considering women only gained the right to vote in 1920, it's understandable that significant political advancements have occurred in the last 30 years. Sandra Day O'Connor became the first female Supreme Court Justice in 1981, followed by Geraldine Ferraro as the first female Vice Presidential candidate in 1987. Madeleine Albright achieved a historic milestone as the highest-ranking woman in U.S. government when she was appointed Secretary of State in 1997. In 2008, Hillary Clinton made history as the first woman to win a presidential primary election.

NEXT: 3: Big Business

3: Big Business

Historically, women in the male-dominated corporate world were more likely to be handed typewriters than given expense accounts, and many argue that the glass ceiling persists. It wasn't until the 1980s that Liz Claiborne became the first woman to lead a Fortune 500 company, and even then, it was a company bearing her name. By 2009, women made up over half of the American workforce, yet only 15 Fortune 500 companies were led by female CEOs.

NEXT: 2: Law Enforcement

2: Law Enforcement

In the early days, women in law enforcement were known as matrons, tasked with handling women and children. Over time, opportunities expanded, but the field remains predominantly male, with women making up less than 15 percent of the workforce. Women's tendency to prioritize diplomacy and communication over physical force in resolving conflicts adds unique value to the profession. However, the significant gender imbalance often leads to discrimination and harassment, deterring many women from pursuing careers in law enforcement.

NEXT: 1: Space Exploration

1: Space Exploration

While man first set foot on the moon in 1969, it wasn't until 1983 that Sally Ride became the first American woman to travel to space. The Women in Space Program (WISP), initiated in 1959, saw several qualified women pass demanding tests, proving their suitability for space travel. However, WISP was discontinued due to NASA policies, which favored military test pilots as the ideal candidates for space missions.