Welcoming Differences: in textile & clothing and beyond

The environmental challenges that our planet is facing require a long-term vision and, to respond to its present threats, an innovative and diverse community of creative minds. In particular, in textile & clothing (T&C) where the biggest challenge is a recruitment crisis, attracting competent people. The difficulty comes from the prejudices and stereotypes hidden in the dominant environment. Nevertheless, if women were employed at their level of capacity, European gdp would increase by 3.3 points instead of stagnating. Do women have to adapt to this environment, or does it need to change to accommodate different people and working methods? This book gives voice — through a series of texts signed by European experts and illustrated with eloquent graphics — to the shemakes project and its network of T&C Labs that showcase their local innovations. Creative women who challenge current practices, break the rules and collaborate to design a better future.