A female trades person has experienced rude questions and unwanted comments for just doing her job
There are more women than ever working as trades people (stock)(Image: Getty Images)
A woman working as a trades person in a male dominated industry has shared seven things people always say to her that make her roll her eyes. Even though there are more women then ever working as electricians, plumbers, roofers, bricklayers and decorators, they are still few and far between in a male dominated industry.
Although many people love to see woman thriving in the industry, others feel confused, or even threatened when a woman is skilled and trained to complete a job traditionally done by a man. This can lead to unwanted comments, rude questions and condescending reactions.
Em Louise Walker, from Bristol, works as a painter and decorator and posts content on TikTok as “Em the Tradie”. She often shares things men say to her as a woman working as a female painter and decorator.
She said: “Rating the things men say to me as a female painter and decorator. ‘Did your boyfriend or dad teach you how to paint?’ 1/10, my skills don’t come from a man.”
Em said when she turned up at the door of a property, a man said to her “I thought a bloke would turn up”. Her response was “Aren’t you lucky you got me instead”.
After carrying in all of her equipment from her own van, one man said to Em, “careful lifting that, it’s heavy'”, while another said “Far too many women in trades these days.”
Em said: “So you only like being around men? Lemme hold ur hand while I tell you this…”
One of the most common insults thrown at Em while doing her job is people telling her “You’ve missed a bit”. She said: “If I had a dollar for every time I heard that, I’d be able to retire at 25.”
Men have also asked Em “This job is a bit messy for you isn’t it?” while others have asked her where her supervisor is, and id she’s an apprentice.
She said: “I am the boss baby, and I even have my own apprentice so how do you like those apples?”.
Other women working in male dominated roles responded under Em’s post to say they have had the same reaction from men.
One person said: “I’m a sky engineer….I get ‘oh I was expecting a man/oh, you’re a woman!’. Other ones I get everyday… ‘shall I hold the bottom of the ladder for you?/can I carry your ladders for you?’
“Or my best one… ‘you’re not going up a ladder are you?. Erm, yes if you want your satellite signal back.”
A second person said: “I’m an electrician and I always get “so are you qualified?” They would never say that to a man! Why would anyone give me a job doing that, without me being qualified and experienced to do it?”
Another user said: “Girl, I’m a female car dealer and people are legit looking over my shoulder for a bloke to speak to. It’s my business – there is nobody else.”