Strategies to Help You Nail Stereotypes to the Wall...And Leave Them There

Women are not as physically strong so they get all the easy jobs.

Women do not possess the same intellectual capacity as men to do the work.

Women are there as a “token” to show diversity in the workplace.

These are just a few among many more stereotypes that women face in the trades.

If you are a woman working in a trade you are automatically a risk taker. You have voluntarily placed yourself in a male-dominated industry full of stereotypes about women’s physical and mental capacity. You did it because you love the job you do and are willing to enter a place where you may or may not be welcome because you know you deserve to be there. I mean, that’s pretty badass.

I am sure that many times you want to scream at the people that label you “less than.” It’s human nature to want to defend yourself. But in my experience, screaming is a great way to show anger, but not such a great way to affect change.

Here are some strategies that might help you if you find yourself being stereotyped in some way.

Stay calm.

If you are being stereotyped it is probably by someone who is trying to push your buttons or is simply uneducated about your abilities. Come from a place of curiosity when addressing them. (“what makes you think I cannot do (x task)?”). This will throw them off because it forces them to either say out loud that they do not think you are capable or own their ignorance.

Don’t let assholes ruin your day.

Focus on your success and all the positive achievements that you are contributing to your profession.

Assert yourself by challenging discriminatory remarks.

Make it clear that you demand to be treated with respect and fairness.