Thought on the concept of Women in Manufacturing

Not Just Numbers: The Emotional Landscape Behind Women in Manufacturing


Manufacturing isn’t just about machines, processes, and supply chains. It’s about people. And when we talk about women in manufacturing, we often default to numbers, policies, and case studies. But beneath all that lies something more personal: Emotions.
It’s not just about how many women are in manufacturing, it’s about how they feel being there. And just as importantly, how men feel about sharing space in what was once a male-dominated industry.
Having grown up in manufacturing since 1995 a time when women were rare in this field, this subject is close to my heart. I’ve lived through my own emotions and witnessed the reactions of the men around me. The journey has been a mix of motivation, pride, and moments of doubt especially the feeling of “don’t select me just because I’m a diverse candidate.” This thought is in the recent times as many organizations approach as they are looking for diverse candidate only.
Yes, diversity matters. But competence matters more , because respect and trust on the shopfloor come from capability, not checkboxes.

How I Felt as a Woman in Manufacturing
1. Proud—Breaking Barriers
Manufacturing roles were proof that I could thrive in spaces once considered “too tough” or “unsuitable” for women. Wearing a hard hat, leading a production team, solving technical challenges—these were symbols of progress and pride.
2. Empowered—Because Skills Matter
In industries where automation wasn’t prevalent, manual skill was key. I remember being sent to Belgium for training in a wire industry. My trainer looked at me, a 42 kg, 5’2” woman, with doubt. Could I run wire drawing machines?
That doubt turned into respect when my performance exceeded expectations.
Today, Industry 4.0 is shifting the focus to problem-solving and technical acumen over strong physique.
I believe a strong mind is more powerful than a strong physique.
3. Supported… Yet Sometimes Isolated
Despite growing mentorship and inclusive policies, I’ve often been the “only one” on the shop floor or in leadership meetings. That visibility brings opportunity—but also pressure. I’ve learned to embrace it: Do good and be naturally visible.
4. Challenged by Balance
Balancing shifts, travel, and family duties is a tightrope walk. Even with supportive policies, the emotional load is real. I believe women can accelerate learning by sharing their strategies—no need to learn only from our own mistakes.
Perhaps it’s another blog waiting to be written: Creating Our Ecosystem, capturing 30 years of lessons and lived experiences.

How Men Feel About Women in Manufacturing
1. Respectful of Competence
I’ve earned appreciation from male colleagues, but respect isn’t automatic. It’s built through consistent performance. As a leader, I’ve learned that walking the talk matters. If I expect empathy and support, I must also extend it to others. Taking undue advantage of being female you tend to lose respect. You misuse it you lose it.
2. Curious, Sometimes Cautious—Even Frustrated
For many men, I was their first female boss or teammate. I gave them space to adjust and unlearn biases.
In our organization, we offer a “No Questions Asked” leave for women once a month. While well-intentioned, it has sparked frustration among some men who ask, “If equality is the goal, why special treatment?” These are valid emotions—and worth discussing openly.
I’d love to hear your point of view on this “Why does special treatment sometimes feel unfair in the pursuit of equality?”
3. Inspired by Teamwork Benefits
Initially, there was resistance to hiring women operators. Concerns about physical demands were common. But once people witnessed the benefits of gender-diverse teams, those same disbelievers became advocates. Mixed teams bring balanced thinking, innovation and collaborative strength.
4. Responsible for Inclusion
My team—and even our customers—have always prioritized my safety and dignity. When a woman joins the team, I’ve seen men step up to create respectful, secure environments. That sense of responsibility is powerful and deeply appreciated.

Why These Feelings Matter
Manufacturing is not just a technical sector—it’s a human one.
How women feel about inclusion determines whether they stay and thrive.
How men feel about change determines whether workplaces truly evolve.
The intersection of these experiences is where real transformation happens.
When women feel valued, safe, and respected—and when men feel collaborative, supportive, and open—manufacturing becomes not just more diverse, but more innovative, productive, and future-ready
Numbers are important to measure the diversity. But what matters even more is to building workplaces where every team feels welcomed, valued, heard and respected.
I've been thinking a lot about women in manufacturing lately—how far we've come, and how much further we can go. But instead of just sharing my own thoughts, I’d really love to hear from Gen Z. Your generations are growing up in a world that's shifting fast, and I’m curious: how do you feel about women stepping into roles in manufacturing?
Maybe your emotions around this topic are different from those of previous generations. Maybe they’ve evolved with time, shaped by what you’ve seen, learned, or experienced. Whatever your perspective, it matters—and it could help us all understand where the future of this industry is headed.
So, Gen Z: what’s your take?