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
