Pit brow women refers to female workers who were employed in coal mines during the 19th and early 20th centuries. These women played a significant role in the coal industry and were responsible for sorting and processing coal at the surface of the mines. The term "pit brow" refers to the raised platform, or brow, situated at the pithead where the coal was brought up from underground.
These women worked in challenging and physically demanding conditions, often enduring long hours and exposure to dust, dirt, and hazardous gases. Their main tasks included sorting and grading coal, as well as removing impurities and rocks from the valuable coal seams. Pit brow women used various tools and equipment to carry out their work, such as shovels, picks, and sieves. They were known for their strength, resilience, and perseverance in performing these labor-intensive tasks.
Pit brow women were distinct in their attire, dressing in practical clothing consisting of trousers, sturdy boots, headscarves, and aprons to protect them from the dirt and grime of the mining environment. Their presence challenged traditional gender roles and norms, as women were demonstrating their capability to engage in physically demanding work traditionally reserved for men.
The role of pit brow women gradually declined with the mechanization of coal mines and the changing socio-economic landscape. However, their contributions left a lasting impact, paving the way for greater gender equality in the workplace and inspiring future generations of women to challenge societal norms and enter traditionally male-dominated fields.
