The table compares the percentages of male and female employees working in six different sectors in New Zealand in 1993 and 2003.
Overall, men dominated employment in manufacturing, building, IT and farming in both years, whereas women were more prevalent in services and commerce in 1993. Over the ten-year period, the gender gap narrowed in most sectors, particularly in services and building.
In 1993, male workers accounted for the majority in building (68%), IT (80%) and farming (75%). Although these figures declined slightly by 2003, men still represented the larger share in these industries, at 60%, 70% and 65% respectively. Manufacturing also saw a small decrease in male participation, from 55% to 52%.
By contrast, women made up a significant proportion of the workforce in services in 1993, at 85%, compared to just 14% for men. However, this disparity decreased considerably in 2003, when women represented 60% and men 40%. In commerce, the distribution became equal by 2003, with both genders accounting for 50%, while female participation increased in building, IT and farming over the period.