Happy International Women’s Day!
International Women's Day is celebrated every year on March 8th and honours the unique contributions of women in the social, economic, political and cultural fields.
On this special occasion, we are engaging in conversations with Ida and Patrícia, 2 strong females who work in trades. Ida lives in Norway, while Patrícia lives in Portugal and they both built a career in the plumbing sector.
Happy International Women’s Day and happy reading!
How did you decide to pursue a career in trades? How long ago?
Ida: I decided to follow my gut 4 years ago, when I was 26 years old. I’ve always felt like I wanted to do some kind of practical work, with my hands. I weighed the pros and cons of different trades and plumbing won me.
Patrícia: It happened almost naturally! I started 17 years ago. At that time my husband was already working in this field for more than 25 years.
What’s the best part of your job?
Ida: The best part of my job - since I’m a service plumber - is helping people with the plumbing issues they have in their homes, both small, but also more serious jobs.
Patrícia: I think it is the feeling of self-satisfaction! Knowing that I gave my best to do a job right.
What is people’s reaction when you mention you work in this field?
Ida: People that I don’t know seem a bit surprised when I tell them I work as a plumber. In my 4 years doing what I do, I had one bad experience with a customer who thought I couldn’t do the job - but I still did it!! But everyone else is positive.
Patrícia: Some people think I do not work! Even if I mostly do desk and public relations work, that is the first step and the first approach to a bigger result! Without the desk job (budget elaboration, getting in touch with suppliers/manufacturers, research, etc.), the final work would never be possible to achieve. Without all this, we wouldn't have been able to realize all the work we've already done in all these years.
Besides those fundamental parts, I also go to the work field. I mainly do underfloor heating and solar systems installations, but I also lend a hand whenever it's needed in other areas.
Which is your message to the young ladies out there who think about starting a job in trades?
Ida: To every girl or woman out there who has a dream of becoming somebody I want to say: just go for it! Get placement in a firm where you can try what you dream of. Plumbing, electricity, carpentry, anything you want, just try it! You don’t always need to have any experience to start a new job. ✨
Patrícia: Things don’t happen overnight. Everything takes time and we have a lot of battles ahead to be able to have a chance to win and achieve our goals. And most of all, we don’t need to jeopardize anyone to show that we are good. If we do that, it only shows that we are no better than all the rest. If we want to be different, we need to be prepared to row against the tides and fight against the whole world, even if sometimes we feel like giving up and feel we are all alone.
At the end of the day, let's not forget how important teamwork is. I'm very lucky because my life partner is also my work partner. 😇
How do you plan to celebrate International Women's Day? Work and then cocktails? 😊
Ida: I work as always and I make sure to congratulate every lady I run into. ❤️
Patrícia: Not sure yet! It will be a last-minute decision! 😁
You can find Ida and Patrícia on Instagram, where they post pictures and videos from their daily jobs. Make sure to follow them!
