Womens Sheds

'Mens Sheds' are popping up all over the place,which is great..but what about the idea of 'Womens Sheds',as they too(women) enjoy woodwork/craft etc!And they too need and deserve a place to unwind and be creative and social :;.Just thought i'd put the idea out there,hope it comes to fruition..Cheers MM :2tsup:

Lots of women are members at the Knox Woodworkers. I don't think it is a "men's shed" as such. Not specifically set up for mental health but cos people wanted to do woodwork.

I think some men's sheds have women's days. :think: I'm not sure I really want a separate day, but I have been told in the past that men get embarressed about talking about personal stuff if there are women around.

Mens Sheds were not really set up for the purpose of woodwork or craft - that is just a means to an end.

Mens Sheds were set up to promote the health of older men. There are many places , if you are interested , where you can read about the reasons behind the movement.

I think most Mens Sheds have women members and I think most would welcome participation from anyone , providing that they have in mind that the purpose is to promote the health of older men.

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Originally Posted by Avery

I think most Mens Sheds have women members

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Then why call them Mens Sheds:?..i am suggesting a place(s)where women can collectively socialise,not unlike a Mens Shed..a place that is NOT male orientated,a Womens Shed.Women have health issues too,be it mental or physical..and i reckon they deserve their OWN place to hang out,chill and be themselves..that's all...MM :2tsup:

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Originally Posted by MAPLEMAN

Then why call them Mens Sheds:?..i am suggesting a place(s)where women can collectively socialise,not unlike a Mens Shed..a place that is NOT male orientated,a Womens Shed.Women have health issues too,be it mental or physical..and i reckon they deserve their OWN place to hang out,chill and be themselves..that's all...MM :2tsup:

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Chris, women already have that place....it’s called the kitchen! :D

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Originally Posted by MAPLEMAN

'Mens Sheds' are popping up all over the place,which is great..but what about the idea of 'Womens Sheds',as they too(women) enjoy woodwork/craft etc!And they too need and deserve a place to unwind and be creative and social :;.Just thought i'd put the idea out there,hope it comes to fruition..Cheers MM :2tsup:

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Chris your out of touch as far as woman and sheds go they have had them for so long its not funny. Country Womans Ass CWA, Spinners & Weavers, Knitters Guilds, Craft centres and much much more. Sadly due to age and low numbers these like many other clubs are slowly on the way out, other factors such as lifestyle changes etc also come into play.

Many Men Sheds have it written into consitutions MEN ONLY some as can be seen on Mens Shed Youtube have woman also as these often are the carers of hubby or are woodworkers themselves. These are mainly country centres where travle into town etc is shared time. Of all the Mens Sheds and some woodies clubs I have atteneded metro area woman are frowned on one club telling LOML and I she would have to go shopping or something I never returned.

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Originally Posted by bench1holio

Chris, women already have that place....it’s called the kitchen! :D

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You'll be sleeping outside tonight if she reads this Ben...and tomorrow night,and the one after!:D

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Originally Posted by Avery

Mens Sheds were not really set up for the purpose of woodwork or craft - that is just a means to an end.

Mens Sheds were set up to promote the health of older men. There are many places , if you are interested , where you can read about the reasons behind the movement.

I think most Mens Sheds have women members and I think most would welcome participation from anyone , providing that they have in mind that the purpose is to promote the health of older men.

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Avery many Mens Sheds 5 or 6 I have been to are well set up one so good I/we are considering moving the as they have everything from computers to auto maintenance including metal and woodwork.

Promote the health of older men :rofl: yeh right BBQ breakfasts, sausage sizzle lunches, coffee and tea all day long sit around and chat get fatter oh they do these at least at 4 of the shed visted. One shed I have heard of had fights over which beer to stock.:roll:

I understand AMSA Men Shed is run by a woman (I have had emails from her) its a conspiracy by women who do not want hubby sitting about ruining the life they have created all those years while hubby was at work.:;

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Originally Posted by MAPLEMAN

Then why call them Mens Sheds:?..i am suggesting a place(s)where women can collectively socialise,not unlike a Mens Shed..a place that is NOT male orientated,a Womens Shed.Women have health issues too,be it mental or physical..and i reckon they deserve their OWN place to hang out,chill and be themselves..that's all...MM :2tsup:

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I don't disagree at all MM.

My only problem is that over the years lots of people have tried to piggyback on the success of Mens Sheds. Mens Sheds often get their funding through public and private grants that are specifically targetted to mens health. To perhaps dilute that with other interest groups means that the ability of the Mens Shed organisation to do their good work may be reduced

There are lots of woodworking, woodturning, gardening, and other special interest clubs that have survived and done good work for many years. They are not Mens Sheds.They will continue to serve the special interest needs of all sorts of people, but they are NOT Mens Sheds.

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Originally Posted by wheelinround

Chris your out of touch as far as woman and sheds go they have had them for so long its not funny. Country Womans Ass CWA, Spinners & Weavers, Knitters Guilds, Craft centres and much much more. Sadly due to age and low numbers these like many other clubs are slowly on the way out, other factors such as lifestyle changes etc also come into play.

Many Men Sheds have it written into consitutions MEN ONLY some as can be seen on Mens Shed Youtube have woman also as these often are the carers of hubby or are woodworkers themselves. These are mainly country centres where travle into town etc is shared time. Of all the Mens Sheds and some woodies clubs I have atteneded metro area woman are frowned on one club telling LOML and I she would have to go shopping or something I never returned.

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Ray,i'm suggesting a place(s) that is new and fresh..not any of the abovementioned..a 'Womens Shed',just like the blokes have got..MM:2tsup:

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Originally Posted by wheelinround

Avery many Mens Sheds 5 or 6 I have been to are well set up one so good I/we are considering moving the as they have everything from computers to auto maintenance including metal and woodwork.

Promote the health of older men :rofl: yeh right BBQ breakfasts, sausage sizzle lunches, coffee and tea all day long sit around and chat get fatter oh they do these at least at 4 of the shed visted. One shed I have heard of had fights over which beer to stock.:roll:

I understand AMSA Men Shed is run by a woman (I have had emails from her) its a conspiracy by women who do not want hubby sitting about ruining the life they have created all those years while hubby was at work.:;

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I have no problem with the organisation being run by a woman - I mean the country was run by a woman fora couple of years...

What you said about " all those years while hubby was at work" kind of goes to theheart of the matter. Traditionally men worked 8 or more hours every day and their socialisation revolved around that work. When they retired they had no friends and no way to make friends hence the idea of a place to work and meet new people.
I know it sounds cheesy but it has worked. lonliness and depression are very, very real illnesses. Mens Sheds have done much to help.

Please don't trivialise a very important need . I thinkyou know what i mean.

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Originally Posted by Avery

lonliness and depression are very, very real illnesses. Mens Sheds have done much to help.

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These health issues aren't gender discriminate..so a Womens Shed would surely offer similar benefits..MM:2tsup:

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Originally Posted by MAPLEMAN

These health issues aren't gender discriminate..so a Womens Shed would surely offer similar benefits..MM:2tsup:

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I totally agree Mapleman.

Go ahead , set up a Womens Shed organisation, or just one Womens Shed. A great idea. Find a need, specify some objectives, perhaps write a constitution and work like hell toget it going. You have my total support.


Just don't use the Mens Shed organisation, or a specific Mens Shed as free resource.

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Originally Posted by Avery

Just don't use the Mens Shed organisation, or a specific Mens Shed as free resource.

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All good,would never do that..i only have good intentions..thanks for articulating positive interest in this thread Avery,i am appreciative..MM:2tsup:

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Originally Posted by MAPLEMAN

These health issues aren't gender discriminate..so a Womens Shed would surely offer similar benefits..MM:2tsup:

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No problem with that view and they are at liberty to set up their own shed if enough women in an area want it.


I'm a volunteer at one of the first sheds in Victoria (been going for at least 11 years) and ours is set up by the local Community Health Service for Mens health.

During the years that I've been there the only woman that regularly came was the young female correction officer who came with one of her community service charge as part of his rehabilitation. Except in circumstances like that it's a male only set up.

There is a lot of confusion in the community as to what a shed is, what it does and how, as each shed is different. We get a lot of enquiries as to can you make something for me, fix something for me or can we come and use your facilities. All of which we decline as what we do is usually for a shed member, or their family, and at our own pace as for most of us the journey is the healing part rather then the finish.

Hope that clears some misconceptions as I groan each time when I read the suggestion to try a Mens shed to make something or use their equipment.


Peter.

I'm going to be a little disingenuous here Chris but I need to ask this question. If (and only if) a 'Women's Shed' gets off the ground then would men be welcome?

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Originally Posted by Scott

I'm going to be a little disingenuous here Chris but I need to ask this question. If (and only if) a 'Women's Shed' gets of the ground then would men be welcome?

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I would like to think so Scott..MM:2tsup:

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Originally Posted by bench1holio

Chris, women already have that place....it’s called the kitchen! :D

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Go out to the shed and make her a new rolling pin to beat you with.
:oo:

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Originally Posted by A Duke

Go out to the shed and make her a new rolling pin to beat you with.
:oo:

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Hugh,she is beating him with it now:smack:..MM :D

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Originally Posted by Avery

I have no problem with the organisation being run by a woman - I mean the country was run by a woman fora couple of years...

What you said about " all those years while hubby was at work" kind of goes to theheart of the matter. Traditionally men worked 8 or more hours every day and their socialisation revolved around that work. When they retired they had no friends and no way to make friends hence the idea of a place to work and meet new people.
I know it sounds cheesy but it has worked. lonliness and depression are very, very real illnesses. Mens Sheds have done much to help.

Please don't trivialise a very important need . I thinkyou know what i mean.

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Trivialise sorry but have you seen the commercial on TV with Dr Brian Ironwood? (NOT A REAL Dr) for starters they/he is false advertising.

ASMSA has no policy regarding disabled access this is not just being able to enter the place and use the loo its about being respected for who you are what you know and what you can achieve. No policy regarding disabled who need carer's along with them in fact some Men's Shed's have gone as far as discrimination by stating "No Women" or "Men Only" this stops any male from becoming a member who's wife is his carer or has a female carer. I am one of these Avery!!!!!!!!

Yes well I have known many a woman's group over my working life and have seen how well they can run their organisations.

Then of course like Thatcher and Gillard :rolleyes:

Avery I agree with your statement regarding retiree's but you have pointed out one important fact that many have No social skills to make new friends while many others do through such as Fishing, Golf, Shooting, motor sports all of which share with female members and partners.

I have always been very much a loner it is since becoming involved with woodwork and a couple of clubs, this forum I have gained new freinds and found some old ones also.

The world wide movement of Men Sheds I think you should take a look at where and why they were started not the BS fed here downunder.

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Originally Posted by MAPLEMAN

These health issues aren't gender discriminate..so a Womens Shed would surely offer similar benefits..MM:2tsup:

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Your dead right but it goes deeper Chris see my post reply to Avery re discrimination in many of the Mens Shed's I have visited.


Still female groups have been around for many many many years Chris so have men's they used to meet at pubs, clubs, sporting events, and much more.

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Originally Posted by wheelinround

A No policy regarding disabled who need carer's along with them in fact some Men's Shed's have gone as far as discrimination by stating "No Women" or "Men Only" this stops any male from becoming a member who's wife is his carer or has a female carer. I am one of these Avery!!!!!!!!

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When i read stuff like this,it makes me want to :puke: :~...'No Women' or 'Men Only' slogans are 'old school' relics that should have died with the dinosaurs,long,long ago..talk about discrimatory..more reason to start up a 'Womens Shed',where women,carers,and men are welcome..no boundaries,no bull s=1t..MM:2tsup:

The reason I asked the question, "will men be allowed in a woman's shed" is because in the real world women are an exclusive lot, when they have something to themselves they tend to want to keep it to themselves. Let me give you a jaw dropping example:

Australian national women's organisations

There is even an 'Australian Women's Motorsport Network', 'Women in Engineering', 'National Association of Women in Construction' and so forth.

The questions that REALLY need asking are things like:

• Why do men have trouble defining a "men only culture".
• Why do women only clubs don't have trouble defining a "women only culture".

I HONESTLY think that we (men) REALLY need to push forth with a 'men only' culture in respect to Men's Sheds. We need to redefine ourselves. Fundamentally we (men) have had our identity eroded by feminist movement. Mind you, we have had to evolve in areas where 'family' are involved, things were too patriarchal. Now things are too 'matriarchal'. Ultimately what is wrong with a 'men only' organistion?

To answer your question though Chris. 'The Shed' and what occurs in 'The Shed', things like woodworking, metalworking, cars etc are activities that men tend to gravitate towards. I see absolutely nothing wrong with an organisation labelled 'Woman's Sheds' however trying to define what goes on inside those 'sheds' is a little bit more difficult.

I'm at a loss though as to why this question is pitched at a largely male audience. If women want a 'Woman's Shed' then let them go for it, no-one is stopping this from occurring, I fundamentally have no objection. In the meantime there are hundreds of 'Female' orientated organisations within Australia females can join. Just click on the link above or the same link here:

Australian national women's organisations

Perhaps we need a people shed, no persons allowed.
Any one who saw Gerry Lewis in Cinderfella will know what I mean.
Regards

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Originally Posted by Scott

The reason I asked the question, "will men be allowed in a woman's shed" is because in the real world women are an exclusive lot, when they have something to themselves they tend to want to keep it to themselves. Let me give you a jaw dropping example:

Australian national women's organisations

There is even an 'Australian Women's Motorsport Network', 'Women in Engineering', 'National Association of Women in Construction' and so forth.

The questions that REALLY need asking are things like:

• Why do men have trouble defining a "men only culture".
• Why do women only clubs don't have trouble defining a "women only culture".

I HONESTLY think that we (men) REALLY need to push forth with a 'men only' culture in respect to Men's Sheds. We need to redefine ourselves. Fundamentally we (men) have had our identity eroded by feminist movement. Mind you, we have had to evolve in areas where 'family' are involved, things were too patriarchal. Now things are too 'matriarchal'. Ultimately what is wrong with a 'men only' organistion?

To answer your question though Chris. 'The Shed' and what occurs in 'The Shed', things like woodworking, metalworking, cars etc are activities that men tend to gravitate towards. I see absolutely nothing wrong with an organisation labelled 'Woman's Sheds' however trying to define what goes on inside those 'sheds' is a little bit more difficult.

I'm at a loss though as to why this question is pitched at a largely male audience. If women want a 'Woman's Shed' then let them go for it, no-one is stopping this from occurring, I fundamentally have no objection. In the meantime there are hundreds of 'Female' orientated organisations within Australia females can join. Just click on the link above or the same link here:

Australian national women's organisations

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Thanks for your thoughts Scott..my idea came about after speaking to a number of local women,who are themselves lonely,some disabled(mentally and physically) and voiced the need for a place where like minded women could collectively hang out and socialise.I felt that the 'Mens Shed' model would provide,at the least,a reasonable alternative for the ladies too.Why put the idea to a largely male audience?Didn't give that much thought,but when you think about it,surely all the blokes on this forum would be in support of helping to maintain and nurture the mental and physical health of their female partners/sisters etc.I personally find 'Men Only' organisations outdated and creepy :(,i don't feel i need to elaborate though.As for the remark about not being able to define what would happen in a womens shed,i can only surmise that you must have been very sleepy and your cognitive functioning may have been compromised :sleep3:...women too engage in 'blokey' activities,along with a host of other things(toooo lengthy to mention)...i am sure they will find ways to entertain themselves Scott :;. Alot of men,by nature,are control freaks,i am sure that the idea of sexual and social equality must challenge them to the core...they feel threatened!! Look, i am simply advocating a set up for women(all ages and creeds),that is not dissimilar to what the blokes have(a 'Mens Shed)...as i said,mental and physical issues are universal,NOTgender specific:no:,and if the 'Mens Sheds' are are providing health benefits for its patrons,then i see no reason why it would be any different for the ladies..Scott,we live in a rural area where we don't even have public transport:oo:..i can tell you categorically that there are many,many lonely souls around here that need somewhere to go and feel welcome...i am going to push myself to make it happen for them..Cheers MM:2tsup:

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Originally Posted by MAPLEMAN

..................my idea came about after speaking to a number of local women,who are themselves lonely,some disabled(mentally and physically) and voiced the need for a place where like minded women could collectively hang out and socialise. ........................................ I felt that the 'Mens Shed' model would provide,at the least,a reasonable alternative for the ladies too. I am simply advocating a set up for women(all ages and creeds),that is not dissimilar to what the blokes have(a 'Mens Shed)...

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That makes your position clearer and I for one would support that, especially in the country where there are less facilities than in the cities. I'm sure that the model for the Mens Shed would work very well for women as well.

Another possibility for you to consider is a joint community shed with separate days (and committees) for women and men as this would help to get funding from your local council and community groups.

The problem with those that feel that women should be able to go to a Mens Shed is to overlook the main purpose of the sheds and that is for helping men with their health journey through their later life. By being together and doing things with other men of their same age that they learn to trust allows them to talk and help each other. As I said before it's the journey not the end result of what we make or do that's important.

As some of you may be aware I've got prostate cancer. At the shed we talked about my cancer journey, the treatment of a radical prostectomy and then the recurrence and the subsequent hormone deprivation treatment and my radiation treatment. We talked about the problems and side effects that I have had and still have. As a result of that all the guys now have regular checkups for they don't want to go through a similar journey. Others have other problems and stories that get shared, learned from, and supported. I know that during the 7 weeks of daily radiation treatment there would have been many guys that would have driven me to and from the hospital if I had needed it. That kind of support is generated within the shed I volunteer at.

I doubt that I would have been able to be so open about the unexpected side effect of the operation or the effect of the long term hormone deprivation treatment, where for three years my body did not produce testosterone, in a mixed company. Similarly I wouldn't think that women would feel comfortable talking about breast cancer and its treatment or other women specific health problems in mixed company.

I hope that might explain why sheds should be separate, one for men and another for women if there is a need in a specific area.

Ray, I note your comments about your wife being your carer and the problems that create. As our shed is specifically set up for caring for men by our Community Health Service it is run by a paid organizer, who is qualified to act as a carer, so guys come and leave their carer at home and they also get a break. Pity that other sheds don't have that ability.


Peter.

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Originally Posted by Sturdee

That makes your position clearer and I for one would support that, especially in the country where there are less facilities than in the cities. I'm sure that the model for the Mens Shed would work very well for women as well.

Another possibility for you to consider is a joint community shed with separate days (and committees) for women and men as this would help to get funding from your local council and community groups.

The problem with those that feel that women should be able to go to a Mens Shed is to overlook the main purpose of the sheds and that is for helping men with their health journey through their later life. By being together and doing things with other men of their same age that they learn to trust allows them to talk and help each other. As I said before it's the journey not the end result of what we make or do that's important.

As some of you may be aware I've got prostate cancer. At the shed we talked about my cancer journey, the treatment of a radical prostectomy and then the recurrence and the subsequent hormone deprivation treatment and my radiation treatment. We talked about the problems and side effects that I have had and still have. As a result of that all the guys now have regular checkups for they don't want to go through a similar journey. Others have other problems and stories that get shared, learned from, and supported. I know that during the 7 weeks of daily radiation treatment there would have been many guys that would have driven me to and from the hospital if I had needed it. That kind of support is generated within the shed I volunteer at.

I doubt that I would have been able to be so open about the unexpected side effect of the operation or the effect of the long term hormone deprivation treatment, where for three years my body did not produce testosterone, in a mixed company. Similarly I wouldn't think that women would feel comfortable talking about breast cancer and its treatment or other women specific health problems in mixed company.

I hope that might explain why sheds should be separate, one for men and another for women if there is a need in a specific area.

Ray, I note your comments about your wife being your carer and the problems that create. As our shed is specifically set up for caring for men by our Community Health Service it is run by a paid organizer, who is qualified to act as a carer, so guys come and leave their carer at home and they also get a break. Pity that other sheds don't have that ability.


Peter.

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Thanks Pete for your supportive and informative reply.. i am sorry to hear of your battle with cancer,hope your recovery is swift and successful:2tsup:and great to see that the blokes at your shed are a caring mob :;...will contact council and chew the fat with them about what resources are available potentially,thanks again Peter for sharing your story:2tsup:..MM

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Originally Posted by Sturdee

Ray, I note your comments about your wife being your carer and the problems that create. As our shed is specifically set up for caring for men by our Community Health Service it is run by a paid organizer, who is qualified to act as a carer, so guys come and leave their carer at home and they also get a break. Pity that other sheds don't have that ability.


Peter.

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Peter that sounds great well done for your shed and thats something that many should be considering.

For me there is just two things I would prefer Sue to do for me than some bloke one in particular I'll pm you.:;

Well I am glad I was near a wood working place that was not specifically a "men's shed". I did not want to go and bake cakes and crochet. I think it has a wonderful balance of members. People who are there for the company. People who a dedicated to the community. People who are there to share skills. Quite a few blokes with carers come too. And I think quite a few old geezers have discovered that women are people too. (Perhaps some men never mix with women that are not related to them. )

I think there are lots of women who spend their whole life isolated. Blokes have gone out to work and spoken to other adults. Everyone needs a balance. I think working towards LESS delineation between the sexes is much better. It does not whittle away at the definition of a man to have a woman know how to hammer a nail. If the only thing defining a "man" is "what a woman isn't" you are in trouble.

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Originally Posted by tea lady

If the only thing defining a "man" is "what a woman isn't" you are in trouble.

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Eloquently put Tea Lady...i totally agree MM:2tsup:

There is already a Women's Shed in Forster

The Women’s Shed Forster | Forster Neighbourhood Centre

There is no impediment to Women starting their own shed and as you can read item 4 of their motto........"for all women – all ages"...somehow I don't think men would be welcome.

I can understand both sides.....Should there be Women's Sheds where only women are welcome, certainly nothing stopping that movement - See Above...should there be Men Only Sheds/Clubs...you bet.

The Ipswich Woodworkers Guild is open to both sexes and that's great as well...but I have always believed that anybody can set up Clubs/Sheds/Organisations under the rules set out by the people who set them up.

If I want to start a club and I set out the dress code that everybody has to wear knotted hankies on their heads, wear only odd socks and one of your testes has to hang out your zipper AND PAINTED BLUE...FINE...if you can abide by those rules ; you're in but don't come into the club and try to change the dress code.

BTW....I don't get kitted out like that while I'm in my shed:;

skot

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Originally Posted by skot

There is already a Women's Shed in Forster

The Women’s Shed Forster | Forster Neighbourhood Centre

There is no impediment to Women starting their own shed and as you can read item 4 of their motto........"for all women – all ages"...somehow I don't think men would be welcome.

I can understand both sides.....Should there be Women's Sheds where only women are welcome, certainly nothing stopping that movement - See Above...should there be Men Only Sheds/Clubs...you bet.

The Ipswich Woodworkers Guild is open to both sexes and that's great as well...but I have always believed that anybody can set up Clubs/Sheds/Organisations under the rules set out by the people who set them up.

If I want to start a club and I set out the dress code that everybody has to wear knotted hankies on their heads, wear only odd socks and one of your testes has to hang out your zipper AND PAINTED BLUE...FINE...if you can abide by those rules ; you're in but don't come into the club and try to change the dress code.

BTW....I don't get kitted out like that while I'm in my shed:;

skot

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skot,the ladies at Forster don't have a shed at all,their goal is for a permanent one :~ ..just shoved into an insipid old cwa room,then somewhere else..:no:...I notice there is a 'mens shed' at Wallis lake...MM

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Originally Posted by skot

.but I have always believed that anybody can set up Clubs/Sheds/Organisations under the rules set out by the people who set them up.

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Anybody???...under their rules??? :no::no::no:

If we lived in an adult, egalitarian society the question wouldn't even arise. However, we don't. All of us have attitudes dictated by upbringing, religion, fashion and advertising that militate against equality. Men's sheds arose because of men's health suffering from not being willing to admit they were depressed or having trouble urinating etc. Look at the pressures on females (it starts well before they're women) to conform to body shape, dress and attitudes that are seen as acceptable.
Hopefully in twenty years time, people will look back and wonder why the hell separate sheds, swimming pool hours etc were seen as necessary.

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Originally Posted by jimbur

If we lived in an adult, egalitarian society the question wouldn't even arise. However, we don't. All of us have attitudes dictated by upbringing, religion, fashion and advertising that militate against equality. Men's sheds arose because of men's health suffering from not being willing to admit they were depressed or having trouble urinating etc. Look at the pressures on females (it starts well before they're women) to conform to body shape, dress and attitudes that are seen as acceptable.
Hopefully in twenty years time, people will look back and wonder why the hell separate sheds, swimming pool hours etc were seen as necessary.

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Yeah. Lets start a freedom shed. :cool:

Hello Mapleman,
Our men's shed, has (3) women members in a total membership of 110. Women are
welcome. Our pyrography teacher is a woman and a member. I think that
you need to look at the philosophy of men's sheds and the intended objectives and
outcomes. Generally speaking, women seem to be able to socialise more effectively within their
traditional craft groups than men, who are also dreadful at managing their own health issues.
The general environment is conducive to men enjoying each others company and this has a positive
effect on their general well being and mental health. Many are widowers, with an age profile at +70.
Having said that, I think the problem is not so much separate sheds but the unlikelihood that women would
get sufficient numbers, if their principal function was woodworking. There are also woodturning clubs with women members
and generally speaking, members treat women as equals and peer members. This is my experience with the Hornsby
Mens Shed and the Hornsby District Woodturners Inc. On the other hand, there is a man's own shed and we all
know the rules there - eg. Rule 101B - spouses shall not trespass or touch tools. Serious breaches of discipline arise
where the rule is infringed. Brrr. :~ Drillit.

My impression of the evolution of the "Men's Shed" is that men, particularly older men, did not have a facility to meet and discuss issues that would be considered personal or delicate.

The shed evolved as an instrument of getting together. Naturally the excuse/ interest would be male orientated. Not too many men would show up to the quilting and crochet classes.

Women already had many interest groups as has been stated, but they were set up as interest groups in the first instance. My impression, as an uninformed male, has been that women (big generalisation coming up) are more likely to confide in their female friends than men will to their male friends.

However, if this is not the case or it is not working then there may well be a case for a women's group (I won't call them "sheds") to form. One aspect that occurs is that the women's group already existing tend to be for older women and problems are not the exclusive preserve of the old. I suppose playgroups may cater for young women, but there is an intermediate group that may be out in the cold.

So maybe there is a need, but I doubt it will be called a women's "shed."

Regards
Paul

Wouldn't a womens shed be a 'yarn barn' :rolleyes:

A very intersesting thread, But we seem to be looking at 2 sides of the same coin, some seeing only heads & others, only tails.

Perhaps another option might be Community sheds with 1 mens day & 1 womens Day per week. All other days are open to all.

Those Girly ones are wonderful creatures, They have some strange ideas, but I wouldn't trade mine for a new shed full of tools. It's highly possible, that a lot of men could learn a thing or two from the women & equally, It might make some men feel a lot better about themselves if they were able to help or teach some of the less experianced ladies. Feeling useless is a very real issue for me as I was penssioned off at age 37, & I am now 54. Somedays, I look back on my life & I can't even see a foot print to say I was even here.

To feel usefull again might make a lot of blokes quite happy.

JMO

Steve

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tea lady

Well I am glad I was near a wood working place that was not specifically a "men's shed". I did not want to go and bake cakes and crochet.

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Just to add more info to the mix most sheds have many different activities, not all are woodworking sheds. Some do metal work, some repair small engines eg lawnmowers, whipper snippers etc and some repair and tinker with motor bikes. I also know of a shed that repairs old bicycles to give to needy children.

I even know of one shed where the most popular activity is the weekly cooking lesson. That shed has a lot of older widowers and they learn that there are more nutritional meals that they can prepare than daily baked beans on toast.

So sheds evolve to cater for the need of the guys as well as provide a place where they can meet and share their health journeys by learning to talk in a non threatening ways among men in a similar situation.

All these things can be done by groups of women if there is a need in their community and shared facilities on different days in small country areas should be possible. Especially as their community provides the facilities.

Peter.