Hi, I remember my father saying that during the WW2 episode a whole bunch of women machinists put out more work because the wanted to than a whole bunch of men who put out work because someone paid them extra to.
I would hazard a guess and say that on a level playing field, in the make up of shopfloor workshop personnel, not more than 10% of the mix are women and doing the same job as men as a career of choosing.
There are areas in the metalworking industry where women do compete and also excel, but in my opinion( experience) metal working for women is a rarified occupation.
I have never met a female fitter and turner, and some of the work I have done would not suit a woman no matter how focused or enthusiastic they were.
The present rise of CNC machining has enabled the women to penetrate into the male domain without having to experience the full spectrum of the engineering environment.
That is not to say they don't enjoy their work, whatever turns you on etc, and you can still take pride in your achievements.
I speak from old school engineering as opposed to the present trend of CNC machine orientated production and automated tool guidance.
Once 3D printing becomes the main production method, it will be all over for the engineering world as I know it.
I can see Women using 3d machines to create a part, but I cannot see a woman wanting to make the 3D machine itself..........therein lies the difference.
By the same comparison, I have not heard of any woman on this forum indulging in the actual making of a CNC mill, router or lathe per se......using one perhaps,...........therein also lies the difference.
By choice I would rather make a washing machine than use one.
Ian.