Australia’s first high visibility maternity workwear is catering to the growing number of females in traditionally male-dominated industries including mining, transport and construction.

The new line called She’s Empowered was available in Australia in November 2013 following eighteen months of design, sourcing and engaging manufacturers, and complying to Australian safety standards. The workwear line offers pregnant women a maternity shirt with box pleats in the front to allow for a growing belly, and choice of two shapely, every day shirts for non-pregnant women.

She’s Empowered chief executive, 28 year old Kym Clark, was shocked to learn there were no maternity options for women in one of Australia’s largest industries.

“Working in a fulltime coal mine environment at the time, I noticed my pregnant manager was forced to wear a high vis shirt unbuttoned over a singlet in a meeting last year. That was the moment I knew I could make a difference to women in the industry,” Kym says.

“Until the introduction of She’s Empowered, there were no maternity workwear options for industrial workers. With my interest in fashion and a solid accounting background, I knew I had the ability and drive to make a difference for women in the industry.

“Women work in all areas of the industry from administration to underground and open cut roles, and often work upwards of 50 hours a week. They deserve to wear a well-fitted uniform just like those in any other industry.

“She’s Empowered helps women want to wear industry workwear,” she says.

With fly in fly out options, attractive salary packages and skills shortages; women are increasingly representing more of the resources workforce. In 2011, women represented 17% of the resources industry, up from 4% in 1966 and 15% in 2006, according to ABS statistics.

More than 200 She’s Empowered uniforms have sold in Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia and Northern Territory, with industry heavyweights including Anglo American some of the first in the industry to offer its female workforce a maternity and tailored uniform option.

Anglo American’s Met Coal Diversity and Inclusion Specialist Rebecca Capper said the company embraced the label’s innovative approach to women’s personal protective apparel.

“As a company that values diversity and inclusion in our workforce, we are delighted to offer women a choice in workwear that aligns with our safety requirements while keeping them comfortable during their pregnancy,” Rebecca says.

Rebecca says more industry employers should offer their staff comfortable, practical workwear options.

“Mining companies and industrial workwear stockists need to accommodate a diversifying industrial workforce,” she says.