We’re (finally!) in a century where women are almost as likely as men to be successful in their professional fields. Gone are the days where jumping in front of horses and bra burning were the only ways for us ladies to get noticed (such a waste of nice bras…). The number of women entering into higher education now outnumbers men by over 10 per cent! (http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/apr/02/female-students-majority-women-university) Today, the rise of the ‘career woman’ has meant later marriage, later motherhood, and more women getting further in the workplace. Whilst there are many areas in which women have pushed the boundaries and excelled – Hillary Clinton, Victoria Beckham, JK Rowling, we’re talking to you – there are still stigmas surrounding certain jobs that are perhaps not as obviously ‘for women’. This does not mean that there aren’t women actually doing these jobs. Here are a few examples of women who have ignored the gender boundaries – and even completely obliterated them.
Nicky Moffat – Retired Army Officer
Ex-brigadier Nicky Moffat was at one point the highest ranking female in the British army. She was tipped to have been promoted to first female general before her retirement. Joining the army takes courage, bravery and emotional strength for anyone, and for women it is no different. However, there are still many debates regarding whether or not the UK should allow females to fight in combat. Only in January of this year did the US lift their military ban, now allowing women to fight on the frontline. Nicky believes that gender should have nothing to do with it, and that capability is all that matters. Your determination is amazing Nicky, we salute you!
Sylvia Earle – Marine Biologist
Although now in her 70s, Sylvia is one of the most famous female marine biologists and oceanographers to ever exist. Not only did she set the female record for the world’s deepest solo dive, she has also worked on ocean displays for Google Earth, and juggled all this with having a family. There were even moments when her husband stayed home looking after her children whilst she travelled! Although not necessarily a ‘man’s job’, Sylvia did not let gender expectations get in the way of her passion, and has helped to shape the world as a result.
Hazel Mae – Sports Commentator
Sports are another area which is still primarily associated with men. Although female versions of most popular sports have now appeared and become incredibly successful in their own right, it is still men’s sport that is primarily shown on TV and radio (did you know that Arsenal Women’s Club have won more FA Cups than their male counterpart?) Female commentators are on the rise, however – possibly because they are better to look at than 50 year old sports veterans! Take Hazel Mae, a Canadian sports anchor. She has worked in sports news all her life, and has a special interest in baseball. Male-dominated – says who?
Robin Hunicke – Video Game Designer
Now, when you think of video games today, most minds automatically jump to Call of Duty, or FIFA – and it’s hard to deny they are marketed particularly towards males. Robin is the co-founder of Funomena, an independent game design studio in San Francisco, California. Previously she has worked as lead designer on games such as My Sims (for Wii), and has won the Women in Gaming Award for Design. The fact that this award even exists is a tribute to all those women out there like Robin, who refuse to let the gender stigma of video-gaming get in their way.