The broader questions around roles of men and women in society also linger. Are women the homemakers and the breadwinners? Are men the homemakers? There is a general acceptance that gender diversity is a “good” thing, but some occasional reluctance about “forcing” a change, particularly when affirmative action is considered. What is fascinating is how the experience of women in industry reflects the broader expectations of and attitude towards women in our society. In fact, like anything, working as a female in a male-dominated industry is all of the things – challenging, difficult, fun, rewarding, unexpected and above all, completely subjective. Truth be told, however, that is not the whole picture.
I reckon I don’t even hear all the good stuff, although they do eventually get used to you.” “I’ll tell ya, some of the rest is unrepeatable in good company! Get a bunch of blokes together and anything goes. “He was like, ‘I’m a chauvinist, OK? I’m the last of a dying breed. “There was this one guy, right – he was just straight out about it,” I say. At this point, I might lean forward, and in whispered tones for effect, share what I call the “crazy rig conversations”.