In our fast-changing world, many countries are tearing down barriers that have long hindered women from gaining equality in the workforce.

In Benin and Uganda, where young populations are booming, this means creating new job opportunities for young women and girls. In Japan, where people are living well into their later years, it means rethinking how to support older women in the workplace.

Every woman at every stage of life deserves the same opportunities as any man. UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, works around the world to uphold the rights and choices of women, girls and young people. When they get the chance to succeed, our societies and economies become stronger.

Here are some women who are changing the narrative on what "women’s work" looks like.

Carine: Parking gender stereotypes

In the town of Allada, Benin, Carine is learning to paint cars – a job traditionally held by men.

In a country with a large youth population, more young women are entering the workforce, and finding new opportunities. A key to their success: learning about their rights, both in the workplace and in their communities.

To that end, Carine attends a comprehensive sexuality education programme that is offered by her employer and supported by UNFPA. The initiative aims to improve workplace culture and increase knowledge of sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Camelèa: Blazing a trail

Down the road from Carine’s workplace, Camelèa is developing skills as a glazier, learning to cut and install glass. “I believe every job can be done by girls,” she says. Her boss, Akossiwa, agrees. 

Akossiwa remembers the challenges she herself faced when entering the profession, and she understands the importance of safety and rights for women in the workforce. That’s why she has enrolled her employees in the comprehensive sexuality education programme. 

Now Camelèa is building both her career skills and knowledge of her rights.

Mariela: Sparking change

In the city of Asunción, Paraguay, Mariela works as an electrician, defying the naysayers.

“More than once I heard people say, ‘What does she know about electricity?’ But I proved that I can do this job,” she says. “I'm very proud of that."

Her employer, Paraguay’s national provider of electricity, implemented a gender equality policy in 2022. Currently women make up 21 per cent of its employees –  and only 9 per cent are technicians. 

While more progress is needed to achieve equality in the country’s workforce – including closing pay gaps – Mariela is lighting the way, with support from UNFPA, which works with local communities, government officials and others to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Lorena: Making history

Lorena made history when she became the head of the Paraguayan Volunteer Fire Brigade in 2025, marking the first time a woman had served as commander.

“We must never allow anyone to underestimate us, to put limits on us or belittle the effort that women are making today,” she says.

Indeed, with 59 per cent of women in Paraguay participating in the workforce, they need equal access to the job market to reach their full potential. Lorena is forging the path forward.

Miyako: Running her own show

Miyako, owner of the Le Matin bar in Tokyo, has been running her business for more than four decades in Japan’s lively capital and has no plans to stop anytime soon.

In her bar, which is lined with books, people talk about politics every night, she says: “There are left-wingers and right-wingers drinking side by side. There are no fights; everyone is drinking happily.” She is always there, serving up drinks into the middle of the night. 

Japan has an ageing population, and older women need to be supported to continue working, if they choose to do so. UNFPA is there for them, helping countries prepare for a future where every age is celebrated and no one is left behind.

Yaeko: Safeguarding the night

In the town of Shibu-Onsen, Japan, Yaeko works late as well.

She provides security at a parking lot, working the night shift. “I enjoy my work,” she says. In fact, she adds, “I want to work until I die.”

Decades ago, after getting married, she became a housewife. But over the years, she started taking on part-time jobs, and found that she loved working. Now there’s no stopping her. 

Marie: Driving her career

 As a woman with a passion for driving in Togo’s capital, Lomé, Marie found the perfect job: working as a driver with UNFPA. 

In Togo, UNFPA strives to reduce gender-based violence and help strengthen emergency obstetric and newborn care, reliable family planning, and other sexual and reproductive health services. 

Marie is getting UNFPA workers to where they need to be for their important work.

Mary: Innovating for girls

Mary is an engineer and entrepreneur in the city of Kampala, Uganda. “People were saying that women can't do the same jobs as men,” she says. “I want to prove to them that it’s possible, and a woman can perform a job better than any man.” 

Mary likes to focus on innovations that can help girls stay in school. For instance, she created a solar panel to add to backpacks, which can power a light to help students do their homework when there’s no electricity.

Uganda’s workforce relies on its large population of young people – and girls must not be left behind. UNFPA supports the government to address inequality, poverty, vulnerability and lack of access to information and services that can hold girls back.  

Souaad: Creating a new path

Souaad fled conflict in her home country of Syria in 2025, becoming a refugee in Germany. 

“My mother was a medical worker in Syria during the war,” she says, explaining that this sparked her own interest in the health field. A mother of a young daughter, she is now in vocational training to become a medical worker. 

“I pursued my dream because I want to give a positive image of the refugee women in Germany, and most importantly, for my passion of helping people.” 

In Germany, UNFPA works with the government and other partners to achieve a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.