The occupation of positions of power has historically favoured men, despite the gradual increase in the presence of women in the labour market. The inequalities identified include wage disparities, limitations on access to leadership positions, and the persistence of stereotypes and prejudices that shape women's professional opportunities. This study deals with the presence of women in strategic management positions at Federal Institutes of Education, Science and Technology in Brazil. Thus, the importance of female representation in positions of power brings benefits such as diversity of perspectives and improvements in the organisational environment, while gender inequality can result in discrimination and exclusion of women from professional development opportunities. The research aims to identify whether there is inequality between women and men in the occupation of strategic positions in Federal Institutes of Education, Science and Technology in Brazil. The sexual division of labour refers to a division that is the result of social relations between women and men, constructed historically and socially throughout the development of societies, involving social, cultural, political and religious beliefs and values.

The methodological approach of this study is quantitative with a cross-sectional design using secondary data, which was collected from public and official sources available on the institutional websites of the Federal Institutes of Education, Science and Technology throughout Brazil, annual management reports of the Federal Institutes, official documents and government publications. The variables defined for this study were related to the sexual division of labour in leadership positions within the Federal Institutes. Specifically, the positions of rector, pro-rector and chief executive (dean) were analysed, and these variables were categorised into female and male. This categorisation allowed for a detailed analysis of gender representation in these strategic leadership positions. In addition, the following variables were defined: Location: differentiation between institutes located in the capital and in the interior; Positions: rectorates, pro-rectorates and deans; Profile of the Federal Institutes: classified as urban or rural; States and regions of Brazil. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistical techniques, including calculating totals by region and state; calculating distribution percentages and identifying patterns in the distribution of institutes and their leadership positions.

The results show that the Federal Institutes in Brazil show a male predominance in rectorates and deans, with women having a more balanced presence in pro-rectorates in some regions. There are significant variations between the country's regions, highlighting the urgent need for policies that promote greater gender equity at all levels of academic leadership. These measures are essential to guarantee fair and inclusive opportunities for men and women in educational leadership positions. Given the data, this study aims to contribute to an understanding of the sexual division of labour and other variables in federal educational institutions, offering subsidies for the formulation of gender equity policies and other dimensions in the academic-administrative sphere.

Keywords: School management, Sexual division of labor, Feminism, Vocational and technological education.