Women in trades, getting the job done

Yesterday I had an interesting conversation with a young woman on top of a propane tank. We were talking about fear, and the gear for work. We talked about all the different reason some days are worse than others. The biggest factor in that was being tired, and how that can lead to things being harder not only physically but mentally, but also how the equipment used for the work is often not designed to be used by women. The size and shape of tools can make it harder on your hands, arms and shoulders. 

Basic and logical right? Not so basic for women in trades. 

The equipment needs to evolve for the times. In my industry, everything from camera bags to cameras themselves are designed with the male body in mind. My staple camera bag hasn't changed in 25 years, because it's the only bag that works to place the weight of the gear onto my hips instead of my shoulders. And the cameras are not getting smaller and lighter. I have found that it takes more equipment to get the job done. Not less. 

We are evolving into new times. More women are heading into the trades in careers that are non-traditional. I think there is a big business opportunity for an innovative company to realize that re-designing some of the traditional basic tools to make their long days easier, and the marketing and branding around that, could separate them from the pack.

Food for thought on International Women’s Day!

#InnovateForChange