Since 1981, the French ministry has supported women's entry into nontraditional jobs. In 1987, only 37% of the participants were in technical training programs. In 1987, women earned on average 24% less than men. Between 1975 and 1984, Serdjenian observed the relationships between male and females experiences in similar positions in a high-tech firm. The study included 3500 women, of whom 350 were managers. The study indicated that while women were working for both financial and personal gains, they felt on the whole that their careers were more uncertain than those of men. The women reported disliking the remarks and compliments concerning their physical appearance and comments that concerned how their behavior differed from men's. Their preference was to be recognized for their abilities. The women also expressed dissatisfaction with men's comments stressing their maternal responsibilities, interpreting it as a method to remind them of their traditional place in the hierarchy. Highly skilled managers in the study commented that the legislative support for women's sick days to take care of children reinforces their unavailability and thus becomes a career inhibitor. The study indicated that women used two career strategies: serving as staff assistant to the male decision-maker or pursuing a more traditional male job. The study indicated that when women elected the same career path as men, they rarely received the same career opportunities. The path to top management included moving up to eight times in a career, which created obstacles for families with two working parents. Short-term assignments were not promoted by the firm. Women found increased burdens internally from the firm when trying to establish their reputations as leaders. Women were not seen spontaneously as leaders and were not given access to the necessary information to make wise career decisions. (1)