The Professional Formation as a gateway to female professionalization. Myth or Reality

Abstract

This article deals with the evolution of Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Spain from the mid-twentieth century to the present, highlighting its role as a modifying element in the face of issues of female discrimination in terms of specialization and degree of professionalization. After a first contextualization of the importance of Vocational Training to solve the problems of unemployment and lack of industrialization that characterized Spain during the Franco regime, the integration of women in VET in the mid-twentieth century is addressed, highlighting the socio-cultural and economic obstacles they faced. Mention is made of the growing female presence in vocational studies, with 47 centers that allowed female presence, although stereotypes of "women's professions" persisted. In later decades, a slow integration of women in certain vocational training disciplines was observed, but the tendency to choose according to gender roles persisted. The text continues with an analysis of the female presence in vocational training today, in different disciplines, highlighting persistent stereotypes. It adds to this situation the importance of overcoming gender barriers and promoting equal opportunities in the workplace. To this end, a re-evaluation of the division of specialties is advocated in order to eliminate discrimination in some specialties based solely on gender. Finally, the incidence of women's training in the labor market is explored, highlighting inequalities in terms of employment, remuneration and working conditions. Against which it proposes a change in the perception of professions and the importance of comprehensive training where vocational training is essential to ensure equal opportunities. The text ends with the need for a social commitment to overcome stigmas and achieve true equality in the workplace.