In job searches, people frequently look at the listed requirements, see a gap, and move on, fearing rejection and not wanting to waste the employer’s time and their own. They’re making a big mistake, and potentially holding their careers back.
I’ve applied to and gotten jobs where I only met 10-20% of the “requirements.” And was very successful in those jobs, and did not lie on my resume. I do think women would have a harder time of this than men, but I think it pays off for anyone if they believe they could do the job to apply.
The best strategy for a job is: if you think you could do it, apply. The listed requirements are often completely fictional or impossible.