Medvedev, publicly backed by President Vladimir Putin as his successor in mid-December, is currently a front runner for the country's crucial elections due on March 2.

"Of course women like men should prove their ability to hold management posts," the official told the press in the Siberian Federal District.

Even though there are two female government ministers Economics Minister Elvira Nabiullina and Health and Social Development Tatyana Golikova, Medvedev said it was not enough.

The Levada pollster said on Thursday that a total of 80% of respondents planning to vote in March elections would back Dmitry Medvedev.