The case in summary Women in the machinery and construction industry experience harassment and derogatory comments at work. A new women’s network is being formed to support women in the industry and prevent such experiences. The network will be nationwide, and include women in machinery and construction, mining and quarrying, asphalt work and road maintenance. The goal is for all women in the industry to feel that they have someone at their back if they need it. It is hoped that the network will lead to better recruitment of women into the male-dominated professions. The summary is made by an AI service from OpenAi. The content is quality assured by news’s journalists before publication. The cab of Synne Solnørdal’s truck is decorated with pink flowers and teddy bears. The sweet decoration contrasts with the big, heavy car. – I like pink, glitter and make-up, but I also like trucks. Solnørdal loves the job she now has behind the wheel of the truck, but it hasn’t always been so fun. The start of her working life was tough for her. – I experienced bad attitudes and ugly comments. She says that she received comments on her body and appearance, and was told that she was inept and talentless. – It’s allowed to be a pink girl, saucy and feminine – and drive a lorry, says Solnørdal. Photo: Mia Sofie Ytreberg / news Crazy comments In the machinery and construction industry, women only make up between 2 and 4 percent, says Kari Bernardini of the Norwegian Workers’ Union. They probably have 17,000 members, and she says they know that more people experience harassment. – We have received quite a bit of feedback that women out there experience things at work that are not okay. They get nasty comments, they are harassed and they don’t always have a good time at work. Bernardini says that when a woman posted on social media that she was happy that they had their own women’s wardrobe at work, she received comments such as: “We can’t hire these ovarian people.” “I guess you like to show off a bit.” They are three of the 17,000 members of the Norwegian Workers’ Union, and stand together against harassment in a male-dominated industry. From left: Hanne Stokkeland, Synne Solnørdal and Heidi Bjerkestrand. Photo: Mia Sofie Ytreberg / news For Hanne Stokkeland, the toughest thing has been to convince men in the industry that she is capable enough. – No matter what I do, I have to prove it twice so that others will understand that I actually get it done. I always have to do my best, so that they understand that I am not just someone who works at this because it looks tough, but because I actually want to, says Stokkeland. Hanne Stokkeland cannot imagine a better workplace than behind the wheel of the truck. She wants more female colleagues. Photo: Mia Sofie Ytreberg / news Starts women’s network That women in a male-dominated profession can be exposed to derogatory comments, unwanted attitudes and harassment cannot be accepted, says Kari Bernardini. – We can’t have it like that, we are forced to do something about this, she says. Action is now being taken to stop harassment, and Bernardini is the project manager for what will become a nationwide network for women within, among other things, the construction industry. Møre and Romsdal and Trøndelag are the first counties out, and the goal is for everyone to know that they have someone at their back if they need it. It will primarily be a social network for women in the industry, where they will have someone to talk to. They must also be able to more easily notify and report to contact persons if unwanted incidents occur. – We want girls to experience that they are not alone at work. Many of them may be the only women in the workplace, says Bernardini. Kari Bernardini is project manager for the women’s network that the Norwegian Workers’ Union is setting up to end harassment of women. Photo: Mia Sofie Ytreberg / news Hoping for better recruitment The Association of Mechanical Engineers believes that a work environment without harassment is decisive for recruitment into the industry. They are a trade and employer organization for 2,300 companies, and have also established a women’s network for employers. Among other things, the wish is to make it easier for women to report harassment. – The most dangerous thing is that you get arguments in the industry that you have to tolerate this. This should not be tolerated, says managing director Julie Brodkorb. Drives a plow, construction machinery, drives stone and gravel and lays asphalt. The women’s network across workplaces will benefit everyone, the three believe. Photo: Mia Sofie Ytreberg / news Lidvar Brandal, day-to-day manager of SRB Anleggstransport where Synne and Heidi work, says the company applauds the network. – We have very capable women in our cars, and it is very important that they feel good at work. Synne Solnørdal hopes the network will lead to more women daring to become truck drivers, for example. – The network can make it safer for girls to enter the profession, especially if they are skeptical. Because it can be scary. Solnørdal would like to have more female colleagues, and encourages all girls to apply. – You don’t need to fit into the image of a stereotypical truck driver, you can be yourself and still do this.
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Taking action in the construction industry: – Can make it safer for girls
