Steve Payne
“Not sure why anyone would want to push for more women in this industry”
Canadian Contractor"When a female steps into a male conversation she is usually left scratching her head..."
Back in November, John Bleasby posted a story about the (historic and ongoing) lack of women, statistically, in the home building and renovation trades. Here is a post from Marten, Dutch Touch Construction, who has given us one of the braver posts we have recently seen…
“I’m not sure why anyone would want to push for more women in this industry… It is a tough, physically demanding industry. I don’t see it as a macho thing but guys and gals talk to each other differently. When a female steps into a male conversation she is usually left scratching her head and wondering why we talk the way we do and still get along. Not a lot of luvvy dovey stuff here. Of course there will be exception but this is the way I see it. But for me seeing a male nurse is still weird, still think of nursing a female dominated industry and don’t see a push for more males there.”
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I couldn’t just let your January 22nd post from Marten, Dutch Touch Construction, go by without a comment. I am a licensed Construction and Maintenance Electrician and own an Electrical Contracting Company. I have been in the construction trade since 2003. I am a woman.
I feel the need for a rebuttal to Marten’s post. Women in the construction trades do not come to work expecting anything “luvvy dovey”. I’m not even sure if that is a valid term or what exactly he is referring to. We have lots of love at home from the families we are supporting.
The only reason a female is scratching her head about your “male conversation” is because she can’t figure out why you are arguing in circles about something simple that she has already solved.
“It is a tough, physically demanding industry,” yes it is but so is nursing, which your reader noted was a “female dominated industry”.
Let’s compare the two. Both are physically demanding. Both involve clients that should be treated with respect and care. Both require attention to detail. Both involve heavy equipment. Both involve becoming better at your job with experience. Both have a good pay cheque.
hmmmmm haven’t found any gender specific reason why either job couldn’t be done by either gender…..other than attitudes like your reader’s. Unfortunately there is still a lot of that “Old Boy’s Club” attitude in the world, even in 2016. Women, however, are breaking down that club, which is the exact reason why we “want to push for more women in this industry.”
A woman in the construction industry is there for job satisfaction and a pay cheque, the same as a man in the construction industry.
It is the differences that make us better. My wife and I work together in our renovation business. Our abilities complement each other. She provides a design sense that I can’t see until she shows me the way. I bring the implementation of her design to the table. The construction industry needs more of this type of collaboration.
Well, child birth isn’t a tough or physically demanding job either, right men? Am I right?
Is this serious? How is this possibly brave? Have fun with the backlash.
Walk a day in a woman’s shoes before making any statements. Women are much stronger then they appear and are capable of ANYTHING! Good luck!
I would comment on this, however I may say some things which would make the “author” blush. Wouldn’t want to do that…I may be small but I am mighty in strength, knowledge, and communication with..ahem, men.
Now…where is my tool belt…..