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Domestic abuse charity Refuge is increasingly turning to tradeswomen to maintain its 64 safe houses, as a male-dominated workforce has long posed challenges for survivors.

Lisa Cantwell-Hope, Refuge’s head of property services, said the presence of male electricians, plumbers and decorators can be distressing for women recovering from trauma. Male contractors often require escorts, and residents are notified in advance to ensure they feel prepared.

Female workforce slowly expanding

According to data from the Office for National Statistics, there were 48,000 tradeswomen in the UK in 2021 — a 41% increase since 2006 — yet they still account for only around 4% of the total trades workforce. Construction remains the country’s most male-dominated industry.

However, progress is emerging. Between 2019 and 2022, the number of women taking construction and engineering apprenticeships rose by 73%, signalling a gradual shift.

To support this change, Refuge is working with TaskHer, an online directory founded in 2021 to connect households and organisations with female tradespeople.

Creating therapeutic and safe spaces

Anna Moynihan, co-founder of TaskHer, said the platform initially responded to consumer frustration over the lack of female tradespeople. It later began collaborating with domestic abuse charities seeking to create safer, more comfortable environments for residents.

Erin, a 26-year-old electrician in London working with Refuge, said she has noticed visible relief among residents when they see a female contractor arrive.

“If you can make anyone feel more comfortable in a situation, why wouldn’t you?” she said.

While sexism persists in the industry, more women are entering trades, offering new opportunities for charities to balance essential property maintenance with emotional safety.

For organisations like Refuge, the shift represents not only workforce diversification but also a meaningful step towards trauma-informed care.