Owning the Industry: Why I Refuse to Call It “Male-Dominated”

For years, I worked in what people love to label a “male-dominated industry.”

At first, I silently accepted it as the “men’s world” - and I played the role the industry expected of women at the time: the supportive wife of my husband, who was the visible face of the business. Like so many other women, I was working hard behind the scenes while only men were recognised and celebrated for the company’s success.

It didn’t matter how many hours I put in, how many problems I solved, or how much of the growth I helped drive - the spotlight rarely, if ever, turned my way. I told myself this was just the way things were.

But the more I led, the more I realised how dangerous that language and mindset is - not because it’s inaccurate, but because it subtly tells women, “This is not your space.”

I refuse to accept that. And I think you should too.

From Invisible to Unignorable

There was no “big break” that changed my visibility - it was a thousand small steps. I started by making decisions, not just following them. I put my name on projects. I asked the tough questions in rooms where women were expected to sit quietly.

I also stopped downplaying my role when people assumed the success of our company was built solely by men. I began telling the truth - not to take credit away from anyone, but to claim my own.

And you know what happened?

People started to see me. More importantly, I started to see myself differently.

Why Language Matters

When we keep calling it a “male-dominated industry,” we reinforce the idea that women are guests in someone else’s house. I don’t believe in being a guest. I believe in owning the house.

The truth is, there have always been brilliant women in these industries - innovating, problem-solving, leading teams, and breaking ground. The problem is, their presence hasn’t always been acknowledged. That’s why I challenge that label every time I hear it.

This isn’t their industry – it’s our industry.

Making It Yours

If you’re a woman working in a so-called “male-dominated” field, here’s how you can start making it your industry:

Own your contributions. Stop softening your achievements with “we” when you know you drove the result.

Step into visibility. Volunteer for the panel, speak at the conference, and put your name on the report.

Challenge outdated perceptions. When someone uses language that diminishes women’s place, call it out or reframe it.

Lift others as you climb. The fastest way to normalise women’s presence is to fill the pipeline with more women ready to lead.

The Bigger Picture

I’ve learned that the most powerful change happens when we stop asking for permission to belong.

I no longer wait to be invited - I build my own table, and I make sure there’s room for others.

The reality is, no industry truly belongs to one gender. It belongs to the people who are committed, capable, and courageous enough to shape it.

So the next time you hear someone call it a “male-dominated industry,” remind them: It’s our industry now.