Too Feminine? Explaining the Absence of Men in the Textile Industry of Lesotho

Abstract

The textile industry continues to play a crucial role in employment and poverty eradication in many people’s livelihoods as the textile sector is essential for development and socio-economic improvement of societies and countries. The industry represents the only economic activity that shows significant and consistent growth in terms of employment which, above all, has employed more women than men. There are a number of challenges to the industry that, if not addressed, could destroy the reputation of the industry. The existing inequalities between male and female workers can affect the sector production process which may lead the country to the loss of its status in the world market. The prevailing gender issues also shun away the majority of men to connect with the industry as men do not want to be oppressed like women who are docile. However, the findings show that men and women’s different tasks in the industry occur due to the stereotypes that women are not capable of doing heavy duties that need men’s’ physical power. These seem to be only the belief; those women have never been given the opportunities to work in those departments that are believed to need the labour force.