The role of women in the labour market of the province of Lecce, with special reference to the textiles/clothing and footwear sectors

The theme of this paper is the presence and role of women in the manufacturing industry in the Province of Lecce with special reference to textiles and clothing and footwear sectors. The objective is to analyse areas where women are most frequently found in the workplace, focusing on production of household textiles, underwear, rugs, tapestries, religious vestments, knitwear, socks, made-to-measure garments and shoes. The aim is to assess the role of women in these sectors at different places and times. The method of enquiry adopted made use of various resources: research based on bibliographical and statistical sources accessed via the web or available in the libraries of the University of the Salento, the provincial library, State Archives and municipal libraries. Further data was provided by the Lecce Chamber of Commerce, the Lecce offices of the Confederazione Nazionale dell’Artigianato (National Crafts’ Association), provincial professional associations and the provincial offices of the trade unions. Direct interviews were conducted and photographs taken.