'I like proving people wrong': The women taking up DIY and plumbing
Female influencers are increasingly popularizing DIY and home improvement, challenging traditional gender roles in the trades. Many women are turning to these skills for empowerment or as a career pivot, citing the demand for professional tradespeople.
Why it matters
The shift reflects changing social norms regarding gendered labor and the growing influence of social media in shaping career and hobby interests.
Image source, Jasmine Gurney Image caption, Jasmine Gurney says her DIY social media posts took off during Covid lockdowns
It's hard to miss the explosion of DIY content that has hit our social media feeds over the last decade.
From quick reels on how to fix cracks in walls, to complicated YouTube tutorials on building alcove seating from scratch, the internet is chock-a-block with seemingly endless home improvement demos.
While DIY was once seen as more of a male domain, female influencers are inspiring a new generation of women to take matters into their own hands.
Meanwhile, demand for female professionals is rising, while some women are changing careers to take up trades which they see as more AI-proof than their desk jobs.
DIY influencer Jasmine Gurney has documented an impressive and exhausting sounding list of tasks on Instagram.
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