Just like any other industry, gender bias permeates within the Printing Industry being a male-dominated industry. Aside being obviously a minority gender, the female folks in the industry daily battle with such issues as intimidation, harassment, and the likes not only from their male counterparts but also surprisingly from same gender which naturally affect their morals, performance, meaningful contribution to organisational goals with empirical evidence of developing mental health issues. It is on this note that WHERE To Print VOX POP Crew went to town to speak with some women in the Printing Industry on the challenges they encounter daily as women in a male-dominated field with recommendations of how to deal with them. Read their responses in excerpt below:
MISS ANUOLUWAPO ODUKALE – BRANDME CREATIVE DESIGN AND PRINTING
All glory be to almighty God and thanks to the privilege given to me by Mr. Joju ADEKANBI to leverage on showcasing myself in WHERE To Print magazine. Working in a male dominated field has really been challenging but I must say that the grace to engage in this worthwhile journey is really worth the challenge. Having said that; there are times I have been in loggerheads with my fellow male counterparts when it comes to bidding for printing contracts. Sometimes, the systemic discrimination against women in this male-dominated field comes when we are given lesser chance of winning the contract bidded for. More also, I get to face some systemic oppression in the workplace where I have to go against the status quo and where I’m often seen as incompetent and abnormal for trying to take a traditional man’s role. There are times some customers feel like I lack emotional, social and financial requirements to do the work. But so far so good, I’ve discovered strong mentor who I can look up to since women leaders are hardly found in this field. Though it has not been all easy or rosy but so far so good, I’ve been able to consistently meet the expectations of this business and mostly exceeded them thereby taking my business to amazing heights. I believe I can be the change that the Printing Industry needs desperately.
- ROTIMI ADEAGA – ROVISA VENTURES
I think the first is the instinctive feeling of looking for your kind when you enter a room. So, when most people there are men, it can be an obvious challenge of pressure to make an impression or struggle to be authentic as a woman. I think though that it is also an opportunity to create a remarkable experience in whatever subject is on the table and in a short while, the gender mindset will give way to the valuable contribution. Oftentimes women are automatically given roles that are lower than their capacity, for example, a woman’s role in a Committee is often perceived as one who should take minutes rather than being assigned strategic duties. Such situation can make a woman feel as overlooked but I would advise that no matter how less significant a role is perceived – that should not stop women from exceeding those expectations to show what they are made of more. Balancing work and home demands in a healthy way will help women manage whatever stress is presented (and) on whatever front – such that we can adequately take advantage of opportunities (in this industry) and deliver them excellently.
- ADEOLA ADEKUNBO – YUMARIB CONCEPTS
The leadership style in male-dominated areas such as in the printing press, is quite different. When you are the only woman in a group of men, it is often difficult to stay true to yourself. I found it hard not to adopt a more ‘male body language style’ for example which can be ridiculous sometimes. But in all, one has to show professionalism always to confirm competency and capacity to do the job well.
- MISS IFEOLUWA AKINTOLA – PRINTING.NG
Some of the challenges women face in this industry are; inequality in terms of preference of the opposite gender, incompetence and sometimes sexual harassment. The real key to having more women in strategic positions anywhere is for the leadership or owner of the business to adopt diversity and flexibility in the choice of leaders. Organizations need to be more flexible in their choice of leaders and must ensure diversity (in gender, race, or believe) so that innovation and performance will be easily realised. Yes, I must admit women have more challenges than men in the industry but we need to work professionally, strategically, and with performance in view so that we can scale the huddles of gender disparity and move up in our various positions.
- MISS TAIWO VICTORIA – HIGHER RESOLUTION LTD
Give or take; the Printing Industry is male-dominated. We, the womenfolk, face a lot of resistance and challenges especially in regards to technical ability. This erodes confidence and limits progression in the organization. My take is for women in the industry to take training and re-training seriously. We must attend trade events like exhibitions to update our knowledge and expertise in the profession. We must continue to learn, read and be teachable. We have tremendous chance of survival in this industry but we must be open and willing to learn new ways of doing things to positively contribute our quota in any given assignment. The sky is just the beginning for us.
- MISS OLUYEMI FUNMILOLA – PRINTMAX LAGOS
Women are mostly underestimated in such a way that their recommendations are usually rejected. This is one of the challenges I go through sometimes at my workplace and it can be so discouraging. But I always show that I can do it by working harder, and most time better than my male colleagues. I put more efforts in whatever I do to ensure my work comes out excellently. I don’t take no for an answer.
- MISS OKOLI CHIAMAKA – NORMAL GRAPHICS LTD
Of course, I have experienced resistance in the Printing Industry as well as in other corporate world. Mind you; more often than not – it is not the men who resist you but another woman who thinks you should align with her own mindset. For me, the way to deal with it is to be as authentic and professional as I can be even as a woman. We always perform excellently when we are genuine, reliable and professional.
- MISS AYODELE OYINDAMOLA – OLLY’S PRINTS
Most of the challenges we are facing in this industry as women are sometimes outside of our control which the industry needs to address as a whole. But the ones that we can control like being professional, dressing right and well to show our professionalism, good work ethics, humility and all such likes should be encouraged to show that we are a unique gender.
- MISS OLUWATOYIN BADARE – SERLEK VENTURES
I really do not have any challenges currently; my work here has been so wonderful with the fact that my boss is a free-spirited fellow and I have not experienced any gender discrimination so far – which is how it supposed to be. Although, it was a little bit tough at the beginning especially in getting use to printing terms in the industry but I am happy I was able to learn and settle-in fast.
- MISS ZAINAB DAUDA – PRINT STATION
As the only female staff in a group of men, I work extraordinary like the fellow men in order to meet up. Although, it has not been easy for me but I am still putting in all my best by giving attention to details, helping my fellow colleagues out, and generally ensuring that we work as a team to achieve and even surpass expectations.
OUR VERDICT
Looking ahead, WHERE To Print believes drastically reducing or totally terminating gender biases in workplaces is not impossible. Aside solutions earlier proffered by stakeholders, it is also recommended that; at the educational level, schools/ institutions must deploy unique teaching method and curriculum that will not only inspire more females to the profession but also take cognizance of unique female characteristics in career development. At the organizational level, awareness must be created about the necessity of gender disparity and rights. There must also be gender-inclusive workspace that takes care of the unique characteristics and conveniences of female folks at work. This enables women to professionally manifest their skills and take more responsibilities. In all, the buy-in of the male folks is crucial to sustain level playing work environment, target-driven teamwork and utmost professionalism in the industry.
