<p>The Turkish labour market exhibits significant gender inequalities in terms of employment rates and the quality of employment. The high rate of female informal employment makes the public sector desirable. Female employment is limited in local government, which accounts for a significant share of public employment. This research aims to examine the effects of gender inequality in local government on female employment, specifically within the Beyoğlu Municipality of Istanbul. The study also examines horizontal and vertical segregation, aiming to reveal the structural and cultural barriers women face. The qualitative approach and snowball sampling were employed, and 58 women employed by Beyoğlu Municipality were included in the research. The qualitative data were examined through thematic and content analysis using MAXQDA 2024 Data Analysis Software. The findings indicate a low level of female employment (20%) and the presence of horizontal and vertical segregation in Beyoğlu Municipality. The analysis has generated six themes and 46 codes. Discrimination, the political nature of local authorities, gender norms, work-family conflict, and patriarchal structures have emerged as prominent factors hindering female employment. High inflation, gradual wage erosion, and Istanbul’s rising cost of living were cited as key factors reducing financial satisfaction and making it hard to make ends meet. The findings demonstrate that macroeconomic conditions and wage policies can erode the empowering potential of women’s employment. The study highlights that achieving gender equality in local governments requires effective quota systems, institutional arrangements, family-friendly policies, and improved economic conditions.</p>