ENThe article presents the results of research revealing the challenges faced by women leaders during their career in public administration and business organisations and highlighting the peculiarities of women's experience in female and male dominated occupation areas. The study has shown that that stereotypes still do not disappear despite legislative institutionalization of gender equality in professional career. In most cases, women face constraints such as widespread stereotypes in society, negative attitudes of colleagues and behaviour related to that, doubts of women-leaders themselves about their opportunities, and conflict between family and work roles. Keywords: women's leadership; gender equality; male and female dominated occupation; stereotypes; leadership challenges; public administration organizations; business organizations. [From the publication]