Jul-Aug 2008

Women@Work: Your Rights

Survival Tips from the ITF

The International Transport Workers Federation has produced an at a glance self defence guide for women transport workers.

Women in transport often have to deal with difficult situations where they are treated differently because they are women.
Here are ten tips on dealing with everyday, low-level irritations which, if not stopped, can develop into harassment.

1 Calm Down

When you find yourself being particularly annoyed by on going sexist comments or intrusive questions, try remembering that though you might get angry for a few minutes, people who make such comments are going to be ignorant for the rest of their lives (unless you change their attitude)

2 Speak out, or walk away

Silence is often taken to mean that everything is OK. If you are really upset or annoyed, say something. If you feel that you can't at that moment, walk away.

3 Make a noise

Use verbal self defense in public. One cabin crew member fielded off a tiresome passenger who gave her his business card with the suggestion that she call him, by saying in a very loud voice. "What's this, your card? You want me to go out with you? NO, I'm not here for your entertainment; I'm here for your safety." Similar answers can be directed at colleagues and customers (in which case take care to remain polite): "I'm here to do my job, not be treated like a sex object" or "I'm here to do my job and you are not helping".

4 Alien treatment

Women in male dominated workplaces may find that men genuinely don't know why they are there. They may think a woman taking this kind of work is strange, particularly if the job is considered dangerous (eg dock work). They may stand around and watch the new woman working or pick on her every time she makes a mistake. This can make women feel very uncomfortable when they are first hired but in general after a time most men do realise that women are there simply to do a job, just as they are.

5 Hello love!

Being called everything (love, sweetie etc) but your name can be distressing. Deal with this early and calmly rather than letting a pattern establish itself. Say if you don't like it, and ask people to use your name. If it continues, try not responding to anything but your name, you could say "Have you lost your manners as well as your memory?"

6 Be prepared

Practice your response to the typical well meaning, inquisitive, even insulting questions that women regularly get asked by male colleagues. You will feel better if you have an answer ready. Here are the kinds of questions you may have to deal with. "Isn't it strange for a woman to want to be a seafarer/docker etc? How old are you? Are you married/do you have a boyfriend? Why are you taking a man's job?"

7 Family ties

Remind men working with you that they have mothers and sisters too. How would they feel if their family members were receiving the kind of treatment they are giving you?

8 Don't be put off

Don't let a few people who are giving you a hard time put you off what you want from work. It can feel very unfair and most of the treatment you are dealing with is just that, unfair. But things are unlikely to change unless women make them change. The more women there are in non-traditional jobs the more they will be accepted. As you settle into the job it will get easier. Remember the good days and the good feelings you get from learning new skills. Think of the good people you have met and are yet to meet.

9 Seek the support of a women's network

You may think about joining the local women's network. These network can be a great source of support. Contact your local women's officer or delegate, they should know of networks that have been set up. And don't forget there may be a number of men at work who are supportive of you.

10 Time to act?

In any situation you have four options:

Do nothing (this means you decide to live with the situation)

Rationalise the behaviour (you decide that it is normal for people to behave like that, so it must be alright)

Change the behaviour

Change the situation.

Remember you are a strong woman who like to challenge. Remember many other women have made it through hard times. You can too. Keeping your sense of humour will help you through.

Get union help

If thing really do get bad, then you need to act. Talk to your supervisor. If that doesn't help, you may be able to make an official complaint. Ask your delegate about this, or the companies nominated contact officer.

DON'T GIVE UP: remember all the jobs you would hate!

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Last Modified: Tuesday, 15-Nov-2005 19:32:48 EST

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