Doubters Spur Me On: Why Female DIY is Booming
BBC News
It's hard to miss the explosion of DIY content that has taken over our social media feeds in the last decade. From quick videos on fixing wall cracks to intricate YouTube tutorials on building alcove seating, the internet is overflowing with home improvement demos. While DIY was once considered a male domain, female influencers are encouraging a new generation of women to take charge.
Female Influencers and Changing Trends
Meanwhile, demand for female professionals is rising, with some women transitioning to trades they perceive as more resilient against AI. Eight months pregnant and building a wardrobe, DIY influencer Jasmine Gurney has documented an impressive list of tasks on Instagram—from tearing down partition walls to erecting a fence. She attributes her success to proving doubters wrong and inspiring other women to take on projects themselves.
Gen Z's Influence on DIY
A 2024 report by B&Q reveals that Gen Z women are challenging traditional DIY stereotypes, with three-quarters enjoying DIY compared to 60% of all female respondents. Additionally, 82% of Gen Z women said seeing women tackle complex DIY projects on social media motivated them to do more themselves.
From Academia to Plumbing
Not all jobs involve physical labor. Bliss Cunneen, a 28-year-old plumber from south London, left an Anthropology course in 2020 to train as a plumber, finding freedom and flexibility in running her own business. Despite initial doubt from customers, she has gained confidence and even had a mistaken identity as the receptionist on one occasion.