As more women carve out careers in industries traditionally dominated by men, new global research suggests public demand is beginning to follow suit.
A study examining online search trends across 162 countries has found that female painters and decorators are the most sought-after tradeswomen worldwide, with South Africa among the countries where interest in the profession is highest.
The findings, highlighted in a new report by MoneySuperMarket, show that online searches for ‘female tradespeople’ have surged by 313% globally over the past year, reflecting changing attitudes towards women working in skilled trades and growing consumer demand for greater diversity in the sector.
While painting and decorating topped the rankings in 46 countries, representing 28% of those analysed, the research also identified growing interest in female mechanics, butchers, welders and locksmiths.
For years, construction and skilled trades have largely been viewed as male professions. However, that perception appears to be shifting as more women enter the industry and showcase their work through social media platforms, helping to challenge long-standing stereotypes.
The report points to content shared by tradeswomen online as one factor encouraging more women to consider careers in skilled professions while making these occupations more visible to prospective clients.
MoneySuperMarket van insurance expert Alicia Hempsted said the changing search trends reflect a broader cultural shift.
‘Globally, a real shift is beginning to happen when it comes to attitudes towards female tradespeople and it is exciting to witness. People worldwide are now actively seeking diverse tradespeople, and changing preferences are now clearly evident in the rising search demand. At the same time, tradeswomen being open and sharing their day-to-day work online is massively helping to inspire more women to pursue careers in skilled trades.’
South Africa among countries leading demand
South Africa features alongside countries including the United Kingdom, Denmark and Hong Kong, where female painters and decorators rank as the most searched-for tradeswomen.
Although the study focuses on online search behaviour rather than employment figures, it suggests consumers are increasingly seeking women for work traditionally associated with male trades.
Industry observers have also noted that many homeowners value professionalism, trust and communication when choosing someone to work in their homes, factors that may be contributing to growing interest in female tradespeople
Beyond painting and decorating, the study ranked female mechanics second globally, followed by female butchers, welders and locksmiths, highlighting growing interest across a broad range of skilled professions.
While women remain underrepresented in many trade industries, the latest search trends suggest public attitudes are evolving. As more women enter these careers and visibility continues to grow, skilled trades are becoming an increasingly attractive and accessible option for the next generation.
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