Womens Sheds

[skot]

There is already a Women's Shed in Forster

The Women’s Shed Forster | Forster Neighbourhood Centre

There is no impediment to Women starting their own shed and as you can read item 4 of their motto........"for all women – all ages"...somehow I don't think men would be welcome.

I can understand both sides.....Should there be Women's Sheds where only women are welcome, certainly nothing stopping that movement - See Above...should there be Men Only Sheds/Clubs...you bet.

The Ipswich Woodworkers Guild is open to both sexes and that's great as well...but I have always believed that anybody can set up Clubs/Sheds/Organisations under the rules set out by the people who set them up.

If I want to start a club and I set out the dress code that everybody has to wear knotted hankies on their heads, wear only odd socks and one of your testes has to hang out your zipper AND PAINTED BLUE...FINE...if you can abide by those rules ; you're in but don't come into the club and try to change the dress code.

BTW....I don't get kitted out like that while I'm in my shed

skot

[MAPLEMAN]

There is already a Women's Shed in Forster

The Women’s Shed Forster | Forster Neighbourhood Centre

There is no impediment to Women starting their own shed and as you can read item 4 of their motto........"for all women – all ages"...somehow I don't think men would be welcome.

I can understand both sides.....Should there be Women's Sheds where only women are welcome, certainly nothing stopping that movement - See Above...should there be Men Only Sheds/Clubs...you bet.

The Ipswich Woodworkers Guild is open to both sexes and that's great as well...but I have always believed that anybody can set up Clubs/Sheds/Organisations under the rules set out by the people who set them up.

If I want to start a club and I set out the dress code that everybody has to wear knotted hankies on their heads, wear only odd socks and one of your testes has to hang out your zipper AND PAINTED BLUE...FINE...if you can abide by those rules ; you're in but don't come into the club and try to change the dress code.

BTW....I don't get kitted out like that while I'm in my shed

skot

skot,the ladies at Forster don't have a shed at all,their goal is for a permanent one ..just shoved into an insipid old cwa room,then somewhere else.....I notice there is a 'mens shed' at Wallis lake...MM

[MAPLEMAN]

.but I have always believed that anybody can set up Clubs/Sheds/Organisations under the rules set out by the people who set them up.

Anybody???...under their rules???

[jimbur]

If we lived in an adult, egalitarian society the question wouldn't even arise. However, we don't. All of us have attitudes dictated by upbringing, religion, fashion and advertising that militate against equality. Men's sheds arose because of men's health suffering from not being willing to admit they were depressed or having trouble urinating etc. Look at the pressures on females (it starts well before they're women) to conform to body shape, dress and attitudes that are seen as acceptable.
Hopefully in twenty years time, people will look back and wonder why the hell separate sheds, swimming pool hours etc were seen as necessary.

[tea lady]

If we lived in an adult, egalitarian society the question wouldn't even arise. However, we don't. All of us have attitudes dictated by upbringing, religion, fashion and advertising that militate against equality. Men's sheds arose because of men's health suffering from not being willing to admit they were depressed or having trouble urinating etc. Look at the pressures on females (it starts well before they're women) to conform to body shape, dress and attitudes that are seen as acceptable.
Hopefully in twenty years time, people will look back and wonder why the hell separate sheds, swimming pool hours etc were seen as necessary.

Yeah. Lets start a freedom shed.

[Drillit]

Hello Mapleman,
Our men's shed, has (3) women members in a total membership of 110. Women are
welcome. Our pyrography teacher is a woman and a member. I think that
you need to look at the philosophy of men's sheds and the intended objectives and
outcomes. Generally speaking, women seem to be able to socialise more effectively within their
traditional craft groups than men, who are also dreadful at managing their own health issues.
The general environment is conducive to men enjoying each others company and this has a positive
effect on their general well being and mental health. Many are widowers, with an age profile at +70.
Having said that, I think the problem is not so much separate sheds but the unlikelihood that women would
get sufficient numbers, if their principal function was woodworking. There are also woodturning clubs with women members
and generally speaking, members treat women as equals and peer members. This is my experience with the Hornsby
Mens Shed and the Hornsby District Woodturners Inc. On the other hand, there is a man's own shed and we all
know the rules there - eg. Rule 101B - spouses shall not trespass or touch tools. Serious breaches of discipline arise
where the rule is infringed. Brrr. Drillit.

[Bushmiller]

My impression of the evolution of the "Men's Shed" is that men, particularly older men, did not have a facility to meet and discuss issues that would be considered personal or delicate.

The shed evolved as an instrument of getting together. Naturally the excuse/ interest would be male orientated. Not too many men would show up to the quilting and crochet classes.

Women already had many interest groups as has been stated, but they were set up as interest groups in the first instance. My impression, as an uninformed male, has been that women (big generalisation coming up) are more likely to confide in their female friends than men will to their male friends.

However, if this is not the case or it is not working then there may well be a case for a women's group (I won't call them "sheds") to form. One aspect that occurs is that the women's group already existing tend to be for older women and problems are not the exclusive preserve of the old. I suppose playgroups may cater for young women, but there is an intermediate group that may be out in the cold.

So maybe there is a need, but I doubt it will be called a women's "shed."

Regards
Paul

[rwbuild]

Wouldn't a womens shed be a 'yarn barn'

[Ticky]

A very intersesting thread, But we seem to be looking at 2 sides of the same coin, some seeing only heads & others, only tails.

Perhaps another option might be Community sheds with 1 mens day & 1 womens Day per week. All other days are open to all.

Those Girly ones are wonderful creatures, They have some strange ideas, but I wouldn't trade mine for a new shed full of tools. It's highly possible, that a lot of men could learn a thing or two from the women & equally, It might make some men feel a lot better about themselves if they were able to help or teach some of the less experianced ladies. Feeling useless is a very real issue for me as I was penssioned off at age 37, & I am now 54. Somedays, I look back on my life & I can't even see a foot print to say I was even here.

To feel usefull again might make a lot of blokes quite happy.

JMO

Steve

[Sturdee]

Well I am glad I was near a wood working place that was not specifically a "men's shed". I did not want to go and bake cakes and crochet.

Just to add more info to the mix most sheds have many different activities, not all are woodworking sheds. Some do metal work, some repair small engines eg lawnmowers, whipper snippers etc and some repair and tinker with motor bikes. I also know of a shed that repairs old bicycles to give to needy children.

I even know of one shed where the most popular activity is the weekly cooking lesson. That shed has a lot of older widowers and they learn that there are more nutritional meals that they can prepare than daily baked beans on toast.

So sheds evolve to cater for the need of the guys as well as provide a place where they can meet and share their health journeys by learning to talk in a non threatening ways among men in a similar situation.

All these things can be done by groups of women if there is a need in their community and shared facilities on different days in small country areas should be possible. Especially as their community provides the facilities.

Peter.

[kekemo]

Reading this thread with some personal interest.
Few years ago, I seriously needed & wanted to join a "Woodworking/Shed/Group" of any kind... struggling with grief I'd realised that socially I needed to interact with fellow woodworkers(male or female) just needed like-wise, understanding, fellow wood-enthusiasts that would inspire, involve & encourage my woodworking skills to either help, learn or participate in community active programmes.

So, enquired locally & found a group who made toy's & pottered... it wasn't a Men in Sheds Group...But a Community Active for both women & men attend the Community-Centre run facility...however there were only 6 men who participate in the wood-workshop section. On being shown & introduced through the complex on my very first visit... I was stunned & horrified when one self-elected(& obviously self-conceited arrogant pompous ASS...) participating member who was asked to show me around...obviously very audacious & ill-mannered he asked me, WHY did I want to come outside in the shed & use up bench space.... when the men didn't really want me there, instead of doing craft work with the women next door, stick to needle work & unimportant stuff that WOMEN SHOULD DO...!!!!
OMG I was STUNNED & BEWILDERED
I dissolved into tears immediately & hence became reclusive for the next 3 years... didn't want to mix or go out...
Shunned my woodwork...
Self doubted my passion & ability...

I'd ventured out at a time that was emotionally & personally very traumatic to me... & some jerk, just shattered my belief that "woodworker" were the friendliest & helpful group of people you could meet............ why did I think that ???? because I'd met, either personally or online many forum members & chatted to fellow Ubeaut participants from all over the world & presumed woodworkers were all like us..... mmmm WRONG!
I've only just re-established my links back here... & started making furniture again....

Now coping emotionally, time is healing my grief & I'm stronger & believe that it's absolutely imperative that all groups cater for both MEN & WOMEN...

*** NOW THIS IS THE PART THAT SURPRISED ME....& as much as this scarred me for mixing...
I actually came away from the day, with one consoling memory... & for most of you who've seen my work (pictures in the Albums) & read my posts, or met me at Ubeaut BBQ's in Perth... will know that I can actually do some pretty good woodwork....(trying to be modest... hehehe)
BUT honestly.. the workmen-ship that I saw during that one quick walk through was far below average... in fact it was sadly lacking of any quality. SO... I didn't complain or attempt to go back.
Decided that I'd spend my time better doing woodwork solo... It was a no win situation... IF I'd persevered & returned... I would have been ostracised from the group, due to being female or being of a better standard than any of them!

NOW strong enough after 3 years to re-visit and perhaps before I approach or join the members who attend, I'll facilitate a proposal & meet with the directors with an exciting concept & structured programs to initiate a WOMAN's WOODWORKING day. Using my example as the floor plan... as that was the one thing I did... after bursting into tears & initially driving off... I reversed up... walked straight into the manages office & told them what I thought of the insulting members inside.....
EVERYONE should remember ... thoughtfulness, compassion & kindness is FREE....
Only those who chose not to incorporate these into everyday life are arrogant, bumptuous, self-absorbed, egotistical & supercilious morons.... !!!
Ops... I guess they really did upset me!
Time to venture out again!
Share & Care...

[Bushmiller]

Kekemo

Unfortunately there is always somebody like your bloke at the Community Centre. Good that you are getting back into the swing of things and good luck in finding a working solution.

Just on the quality of the work, I don't think it matters if their work is poor, not up to even average standard as it is the community aspect and camaraderie that is important. However, I take your point that this bloke was bound to be aggravated whatever you did.

Regards
Paul

[jimbur]

Kekemo, a terrible way to find out that dinosaurs still walk the earth.

[tea lady]

I think its good to have a place where we can all do stuff and socialize that is not a pub. We can have a conversation and work on common projects. And be FRIENDS. It gets hard to find anywhere to do that with people you aren't related to.

[mythicagothiga]

I don't really understand the problem.

I am a female woodworker, am a member of my local Woodcraft Guild and have done pyrography teaching at the local mens shed but am not able to become a member and I don't want to be. The woodcraft guild provides everything I need and has a growing number of female members who can give as good as they get with the guys.

Blokes have had a lack of a place (apart from the pub) where they can get together with other blokes and talk with each other while having the opportunity to create something as well. It has nothing to do with discrimination; but it has everything to do with mens survival statistics.

Women, statistically, have lower suicide rates and as mentioned, already have numerous places and groups they can get involved in.

And the biggest difference? Mens sheds are government funded. Guilds and associations are not for profit but are not supported by the public purse.

Here is a saying I like:

Brave women fear nothing. Brave men fear women.