2 min read - 8 Mar, 2026
63% of female manufacturing leaders admit to experiencing discrimination in the workplace
Nearly two-thirds of female manufacturing leaders (63%) still experience gender-based discrimination in 2026, according to new research launched to coincide with International Women’s Day today (8 Mar 2026).
The survey of 101 senior figures across the UK, commissioned by personalised workwear provider MyWorkwear, revealed concerning statistics of women feeling worried about personal security and harassment at offices and factories across the country.
Thirty-five percent of respondents identified areas in which they didn’t feel safe in the workplace, citing physical safety as the number one reason, followed by personal security (such as lone working), ill-fitting PPE or workwear, and then protection from bullying or harassment.
On a more positive note, 72% of women felt that both sexes now receive equal pay for the work carried out in manufacturing.
Sixty-three percent of female manufacturing leaders still experience gender-based discrimination in 2026, according to new research commissioned by MyWorkwear.
Gayle Parker, commercial director at MyWorkwear, said: “Workplace equality isn’t just about pay, it’s about safety, inclusion and ensuring women feel safe when they go, attend and come back from work. The results are clearly telling us that this is not the case, and industry needs to take action to turn this worrying trend around.
“We want to encourage the next generation of female engineers and leaders to believe they can achieve anything, and this must start with ensuring the workplace is safe, inclusive and that staff are fitted out with the right clothing. It’s the basic things that can make such a huge productivity difference.”
When asked what factors made women in manufacturing feel like an equal member of the team, opportunities for training and career progression came out on top, followed closely by equal pay, women’s workwear options, and internal recognition.
Gayle added: “Ill-fitting PPE and workwear might seem minor, but it sends a wider message about whether women are fully considered in workplace planning. As a workwear provider, we are engaged in regular conversations with thousands of manufacturing firms about the need for a wide range of women’s workwear options.
“Our data shows that nearly three-quarters of women (72%) have been expected to wear men’s fit or unisex fit items in the workplace at some point in their career. This is disappointing from bosses across the country, especially when you consider the vast amount of dedicated women’s workwear that is available in 2026.”
The MyWorkwear report did show evidence that companies were listening, with 87% of respondents now offering women’s fit clothing as standard and 78% commenting on how wide the range is.
Access the full survey and further statistics here.
