Are there still professions which are considered unsuitable for women?
How many times do you come across a tradesperson who isn’t male?
Our society still holds an outmoded and prejudiced view that it is not appropriate for women to do what is considered ‘men’s work’. Even when women do perform the same tasks as their male counterparts, the expectation is that their work will somehow be inferior so should be rewarded accordingly - despite Equal Pay legislation having been in place since the 1970's.
Through word of mouth, I located a plasterer, a tiler, and a decorator who all agreed to be photographed and interviewed. Each of these women are extremely capable, experienced, qualified, and thick-skinned - skills essential to their long-standing survival in their chosen professions.
Why are there so few women in these roles? This project aimed to show young girls and boys that gender should be no barrier to pursuing any career. Only through educating the next generation and changing their perspective on male/female work roles will attitudes and true change happen.
