According to data from the National Women's Law Center, Black women make up just 3.7% of the manufacturing workforce, while Latinas make up just 5.5%. Additionally, women of color in manufacturing tend to be concentrated in lower-paying jobs, with Black women and Latinas more likely to be employed in production roles rather than in management or professional roles.
Why Do Women of Color Lack Representation In Manufacturing?
The lack of representation and opportunities for Black women and Latinas in manufacturing is a result of a variety of factors, including discrimination and bias in hiring and promotion, lack of access to education and training, and a lack of role models and mentorship for Black women and Latinas in the industry.
SOCIOECONOMIC BARRIERS:
Black women and Latinas are more likely to come from lower-income backgrounds and may not have the same access to education and job training opportunities as their white counterparts.
- Limited access to education and job training opportunities: Black women and Latinas are more likely to come from lower-income backgrounds and may not have the same access to education and job training opportunities as their white counterparts. This can make it harder for them to acquire the skills and qualifications necessary to secure jobs in manufacturing.
- Lack of financial resources: Black women and Latinas may have limited financial resources to invest in education and job training. This can make it more difficult for them to pursue careers in manufacturing, which often requires specific skills and certifications.
- Limited access to networks and resources: Black women and Latinas may have limited access to networks and resources that can help them find job opportunities in manufacturing. This can make it harder for them to learn about job openings, apply for jobs, and secure interviews.
- Socioeconomic disparities: Black women and Latinas are often disproportionately affected by poverty and unemployment, which can make it harder for them to secure stable employment and support themselves and their families.
DISCRIMINATION AND BIAS:
Discrimination and bias against Black women and Latinas in manufacturing can take many forms, such as discrimination in hiring making it harder for them to secure jobs in manufacturing; lack of access to training and development opportunities; and a lack of support and mentorship. Additionally, unconscious biases and stereotypes can affect how Black women and Latinas are perceived and treated in the workplace, leading to marginalization and a lack of representation in leadership roles.
LACK OF ROLE MODELS:
The lack of role models for Black women and Latinas in manufacturing can be a significant obstacle for them entering or advancing in the industry. Role models provide inspiration and guidance, and without representation of Black women and Latinas in leadership positions, it can be difficult for young Black women and Latinas to envision themselves in similar positions. Additionally, role models can serve as mentors, providing advice and support to help them navigate the industry. Without role models, Black women and Latinas may not have the same opportunities to learn from those who have successfully navigated the industry, which can make it more difficult to advance in their careers.
PERCEPTIONS OF MANUFACTURING:
One possible reason for the lack of representation of Black women and Latinas in manufacturing is that societal perceptions of the manufacturing industry may discourage them from pursuing careers in this field. Historically, manufacturing jobs have been associated with dirty, low-paying, and dangerous work, which may not appeal to many Black women and Latinas. Additionally, there may be a lack of awareness of the diverse and high-skilled opportunities available in modern manufacturing, which further hinders Black women and Latinas from considering it as a career option. Furthermore, discrimination and bias in the hiring process can also play a role in limiting the representation of Black women and Latinas in manufacturing.
How To Find Help In Manufacturing?
However, there are some efforts to increase the representation of Black women and Latinas in manufacturing. For example, there are various programs and organizations that provide training, mentorship, and networking opportunities for Black women and Latinas in the industry, and some companies have committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in their workforce.
Following are some organizations working for women in manufacturing:
- Women in Manufacturing (WiM): a national association dedicated to supporting, promoting, and inspiring women in the manufacturing industry.
- Association for Women in Science (AWIS): a global network of professionals dedicated to achieving equity and full participation of women in all areas of STEM.
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE): an organization that empowers women to succeed and advance in engineering fields.
- National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Manufacturing Institute: an organization that aims to inspire, educate, and empower the manufacturing workforce of today and tomorrow.
