MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday praised female bosses and their “typically feminine traits” during a visit to a pastry factory ahead of International Women’s Day, reports AFP.

March 8 is a public holiday in Russia but is mainly celebrated by giving flowers and chocolates to women rather than stressing the need for gender equality.

“To be a major shareholder... or the head of a business, you have to have particular qualities,” said Putin as he met with female entrepreneurs in the city of Samara on the Volga river.

“I think that women do have these qualities, and even certain advantages,” said the president, who cultivates a macho image and is often photographed topless and playing sports.

“Men are, as they say, tougher. But if these leadership qualities are combined with typically feminine traits, then the result is often much superior than the assertiveness of strong men.”