When I see someone doing this:

I usually insert myself into the volunteer experience, as if to help, and then give the tool to the woman (or whoever if supposed to be holding it). Then model the behaviour I'd like to see. Maybe signal to another volunteer who knows the drill to take my place while I ask the "heart of gold" volunteer to step outside with me. I tell them right then that we want to avoid behaviour like this. You have to not hover over women.

If they are overly defensive, they should likely not continue to volunteer in a capacity that involves working with other humans.

A bit of defense is ok. You let people say what they want to say - but in the end you say, this behaviour is not acceptable in this space.

On Sun, Jan 17, 2021 at 5:23 AM Dennis Wollersheim <dewoller@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi everyone

We ran a volunteer induction working bee today (photo attached), and despite our best intentions, sexism was a constant companion.

It wasn't over the top, just the everyday:

Woman: "how do I...?"
Man: "let me show you..."
10 minute later, man still holding the spanner.

Many times, multiple circumstances.

Unrequested advice is another common form.

The problem is that it is baked into the cultural dynamics. It is tricky to interrupt without making everyone feel bad.

I've got a personal policy that I try to follow:
- don't touch bike unless requested,
- don't offer information unless questioned, or someone about to hurt themselves,
- watch, listen

But that takes much patience, and comes after 20 years of anti sexism work. It is a bit of a stretch for our 75 year old volunteer mechanic with a heart of gold.

I'm looking for something pragmatic that we can implement, to interrupt the worst of it, to make some space. Does anyone have advice? Success stories?

Much love from Melbourne bike shed

Dennis
Secretary
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