About
Shaping the future
“Our Woodworking and Gender project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is dedicated to addressing the gender imbalance in the heritage woodworking and furniture making sector. In 2023, our survey revealed that only 8.5% of manufacturing roles are held by women, highlighting the need for change. With “Make-focussed” courses in decline, fewer young people—especially those from marginalised genders—have clear pathways into industry.
Our mission is to inspire and support individuals by providing training, promoting diverse role models, partnering with employers, and working with educational institutions to build inclusive entry points into a sustainable and fulfilling career in the furniture making sector. We’re also working with industry partners to ensure respectful, equitable work environments, leaving outdated practices behind.
Together, we aim to create a future that embraces diversity, supports sustainability, and fosters a truly inclusive industry culture.”
– (Cat Poppensieker, Project Lead)
Empowering Makers, Evolving Traditions
We empower women, trans, and non-binary makers in the heritage woodworking and furniture industries through skill-building, support, and collaboration. Partnering with businesses and educators, we work to create inclusive workspaces and inspire lasting change, preserving tradition while evolving woodworking skills for future generations.
Cat Poppensieker
Project Lead
We envision thriving, inclusive and diverse heritage woodworking sectors enriched by the creativity and perspectives of women, trans and non-binary makers.
The Woodworking and Gender project is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Conran Foundation, The Mila Charitable Trust, Benchmark Furniture Ltd, Vastern Timber Ltd. Thanks to their generous support and National Lottery players, together we will ensure future generations of skilled and resilient women and non-binary woodworkers are able to support the woodworking heritage of this country for years to come.