Herstellerinnen

Herstellerinnen is the feminine plural form of the German noun Hersteller, meaning female manufacturers or producers. The term designates women who participate in the creation and production of goods and services, including owners, managers, engineers, designers, and craftspersons. It is used when the subject is known to be female; to refer to a mixed group one would say Herstellerinnen und Hersteller. In occupational classifications and industry discourse, the term may be employed to highlight female participation in production.

Historically, women have contributed to manufacturing in various forms, from textile and garment work in cottage industries to broader factory production as industrialization advanced. Although women faced barriers in access to certain trades and leadership roles, their involvement in production has grown in recent decades. In the contemporary economy, the term frequently appears in discussions about female entrepreneurship, engineering, product development, and supply chains, as well as in initiatives aimed at increasing representation of women in manufacturing and STEM fields.

In practice, Herstellerinnen may run family businesses, lead manufacturing startups, work as designers and product developers, or be employed as skilled technicians in factories and workshops. The term functions as a gendered descriptor within the broader discourse on industry, work, and gender equality.