Women are increasingly making their mark in all industries. The woodworking and power tool industry is also not lagging far behind. For decades women have contributed to the woodworking, furniture, and design industry. But their abilities always got sidelined because the arena of woodworking was always hailed as male domination.
Men monopolized this field for a long time. However, history still remembers the names like American Shaker woman Tabitha Babbitt, who is behind the invention of a circular saw. Though their accolades and achievements always got shadowed by their male counterparts, they still managed to make their name.
Nowadays, it is becoming increasingly routine for women to join the field of woodworking. Their societal acceptance is also increasing. Many women take it as hobbies, while others are flooding this field as professionals.
DIYing is playing an important role in attracting more and more women into this field. More women are finding this motivation to work with their own hands. There are more than monetary reasons leading to this change. It is about making their distinct recognition and making a name for their own abilities; it is liberating.
With the increasing entry of women, several trends are changing in both the service and manufacturing industries. For instance, brands Ryobi and Dewalt walt and others now have tools like wood lathe tools that fit the stature and physique of the women as well. Their consideration of the weight, size, and ergonomics of the devices is gravitating women to prefer these tools.
As we mentioned earlier, the trend for women woodworking is changing; there is a rise in community workshops where they work collectively. Other trends along with the struggles of women in this industry are listed below:
Finding their distinct space
After years of struggles and being shadowed by their male counterparts, women have successfully reclaimed their own space in this industry. The introduction of new women-friendly technology and tools such as a chainsaws for women is lacing them with the best tools. These women-friendly tools with their appropriate size and weight help them excel in their jobs.
When they have their own space and suitable gear, there is no stopping them from bringing new ideas into the woodworking arena.
The introduction of cutting-edge technology and the industry embracing women’s talent and skill show that the industry is moving towards intelligence instead of manual power. There is no doubt that women fit perfectly into these technology-oriented new trends. If you are looking for a reliable saw then you should check the reviews of Sawing Experts.
From unwelcoming to embracing the change
The ride through the filed of woodworking has not been easy for women in any way; rather it is still bumpy. The first look of contempt came from other women who were not ready to see their gender entering into a new world. However, in the end, there was no other option for them but to embrace the change.
This happened because historically, woodworking has been the field of men. Therefore, there was an attitude that only men can excel at this profession. Most often, women are not considered suitable for the job. When thinking about woodworkers, there was never an image of women popping up in their minds.
These gender biases have created a lot of hurdles for women in this field. However, with the current change in trends and attitudes, the situation is changing fast.
Unnecessary interruptions and help
As women are considered any lesser than men when it comes to being a woodworker, they are assumed suitable for uncalled help.
They also face interruptions from the male gender in the industry who think they are not good enough for the job and always need help. This attitude is discouraging and condescending for the highly talented ladies trying to make a mark in the industry.
The sudden help offer may seem like a genuine move; often, this is a way to show to the world how incomplete they are in their knowledge.
Even in such an environment, if you see women still thriving in the woodworking field, it is only because of their resilience and focus.
Lack of support from closed ones
The most discouraging factor women woodworkers faced and continue to face is the lack of support from their families. It might be easy to bear when others doubt your abilities. However, when the skepticism and lack of support come from loved ones, it isn’t very encouraging.
The ihighly physical nature of the job makes it more difficult for society and the family to picture women into it. Therefore it is hard for their husbands and boyfriends to accept woodworking for them.
The centuries-old demarcations of what is suitable for women and what not is still prevailing in society. Though some change is happening, there is still a long way to go.
Use of mean language
Even though the number of women woodworkers is increasing day by day, the biggest problem is offensive comments hurled at them. The women constantly work under gender-based mean comments and language used against them.
The problem is more severe on online platforms where they showcase their work or discuss their projects. The mean language is not limited to their work only, but it is more gender-based, where everything from their looks to clothes and how they talk gets discussed.
These comments are highly discouraging and constantly breaking their spirit. The need of the time is to discourage such behavior and make this field more inclusive. Women can bring new ideas and innovation with their aesthetic sense and attention to detail.
Conclusion
There is no denying that women are full of talent and can excel in any field they like; no exception to woodworking either.
Though many changes are taking place in this field, people are becoming more open to accepting this change. However, women continue to face issues related to their work and mean comments are hurled at them.
It is high time that all this stop as the new prospering world has no place for such biases limiting the free flow of creativity. Women need a more inclusive and welcoming environment to express their creative prowess and bring a healthy concept of work-life balance into the field of woodworking.
