Whether it’s a childhood cubby house or a modern day workplace, women everywhere will attest to the fact that boys clubs still exist.
But every time the calendar flips over to another year, another door opens wide enough for us to get a foot through. Perhaps even two.
Here are five of the traditionally male-dominated fields that women are exceeding in.
1. Autos.
Despite the fact that women drive the majority of car purchases in this country, you’d be hard-pressed to find a woman standing on the winners podium next to racing superstars such as Daniel Ricciardo and Mark Webber.
Women are now a force to be reckoned with in the world of competitive car racing, with the likes of Molly Taylor, Simona De Silvestro, Danica Patrick and Carmen Jorda making names for themselves in the traditionally male-dominated sport.
MotorWorld Sydney is celebrating these women immersing themselves into the sport, and this innovative, interactive four-day automotive festival will open the driver’s door to all women, from regular rev-heads to those in the market for a new set of wheels.
The newly crowned Rally Champion, Molly Taylor will be making an appearance on the track, showing off her driving skills in her winning Subaru.
"The newly crowned Rally Champion, Molly Taylor will be making an appearance on the track, showing off her skills in her winning Subaru." Image: SMH.
Mamamia has come along for the journey, and will be sponsoring Ladies Day on December 1 - a unique event that will force the fellas to take a back seat while we make the most of female-only test drives, sportscar track laps (fancy a go in a Porsche or Lotus, ladies?) and an exclusive trackside twilight cocktail party.
2. AFL.
When you picture an AFL star, there’s little doubt you’d call to mind a tall, lean muscular guy, perhaps with a beard and a couple of tatts. But that’s set to change.
Next year, the sport is launching a women’s league with eight teams of 25 players due to run on to the field in February for a seven-week season. And if this year’s exhibition matches are anything to go by, you can expect more people to tune in to watch than they do for the men.
But ratings aside, the important knock-on effect of AFL Women's is that it's already inspiring young female footy fans to strap on a pair of boots - there’s been a 56 per cent increase the number of female community club teams this year alone, and the first match hasn't even been played.
3. Politics.
The ladies are reppin’ on Capital Hill. Literally. And they’re doing it in record numbers.
The 45th and current parliament has a total of 73 women sitting this year.
While they may only make up 32 per cent, consider this for some perspective: just 206 women have been elected to federal parliament - ever.
Plus we also have our first ever female Indigenous representative in Linda Burney and the first Muslim woman to be elected to parliament in Dr. Anne Aly. These women are poised to join the likes of Julie Bishop, Tanya Plibersek and, yes, Pauline Hanson, to become some of the loudest and most influential voices in federal politics.
4. Cricket.
Cricket: a gentleman’s game. Well, not anymore. As of 2016, the sport knocked the glass ceiling for six by creating Australia’s first fully professional women’s sporting team - yes, of any code.
The NSW Breakers' pioneering move saw its players placed on full-time contracts, allowing each to take home a legitimate, liveable salary.
That applause-worthy announcement followed that made earlier in the year by Cricket Australia, which doubled its commitment to elite players, meaning some could earn over six figures.
And they deserve it, the Southern Stars have won all of their One Day International matches.
Just sayin’.
Aussie cricketer Ellyse Perry. Image: Cricket Australia.
5. Mining.
You’ve probably seen pictures of those enormous trucks winding their way in and out of a mining pit. Chances are there's a woman behind the wheel.
Over the past couple of years, resource companies have begun actively recruiting women to wrangle these 200 tonne monsters, because they’re clued into the fact that women are safer (and generally better) drivers than the blokes. True fact.
With incentives like long day care, school hours and - let’s be honest - excellent money, everyone from hairdressers to travel agents are being lured to the wild west. So much so, that it’s predicted that by 2020, 25 per cent of mining industry workers will be women.
Is your industry becoming more female-friendly?
Keen on cars?
Use the promo code 'Mamamia660984' to get Two General Admission Adult tickets for the price of one to Ladies Day on Thursday 1st December.
How to redeem your ticket:
- Go to the MotorWorld Sydney website motorworldsydney.com and select to buy tickets
- Enter the promo code above when prompted
- You will see the ticket called“Two General Admission Adult tickets for the price of 1 – Thursday Ladies Day”, select 1 in the dropdown box.
- Click NEXT pick your test drives (or click ‘NEXT’ and then ‘YES’ to skip ticket option selections if you want to choose your test drives later). Do this for both attendees.