{"id":40078,"date":"2026-04-10T11:02:07","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T15:02:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/?p=40078"},"modified":"2026-04-10T11:02:32","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T15:02:32","slug":"women-non-traditional","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/uncategorized\/women-non-traditional\/","title":{"rendered":"These Women, Non-Traditional\u2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a3f7511024fc\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a3f7511024fc\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/uncategorized\/women-non-traditional\/#These_Women_Non-Traditional%E2%80%A6\" >These Women, Non-Traditional\u2026<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/uncategorized\/women-non-traditional\/#Feminist%E2%80%A6_or_not\" >Feminist\u2026 or not?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/uncategorized\/women-non-traditional\/#A_Few_Bumps_in_the_Road\" >A Few Bumps in the Road<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/uncategorized\/women-non-traditional\/#A_Source_of_Strength\" >A Source of Strength<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/uncategorized\/women-non-traditional\/#Because_women_belong_there_too\" >Because women belong there too<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/uncategorized\/women-non-traditional\/#Charlotte\" >Charlotte<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/uncategorized\/women-non-traditional\/#On_the_path_to_equality_%E2%80%93_women_and_quad_is_there_a_difficulty\" >On the path to equality \u2013 women and quad, is there a difficulty?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/uncategorized\/women-non-traditional\/#5_Inspiring_Women_According_to_our_Chicks_And_Machines_Contributors\" >5 Inspiring Women, According to our Chicks And Machines Contributors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/uncategorized\/women-non-traditional\/#Cynthia_Gauthier_Interview_with_a_Monster_Truck_pilot\" >Cynthia Gauthier: Interview with a Monster Truck pilot<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1 data-start=\"122\" data-end=\"155\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"These_Women_Non-Traditional%E2%80%A6\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"122\" data-end=\"155\">These Women, Non-Traditional\u2026<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p data-start=\"157\" data-end=\"525\">Hello everyone! Over the past few weeks, I\u2019ve been wondering what I could possibly write about. God knows I have things to say, but turning that into a thoughtful article people would actually want to read\u2014that\u2019s a whole different story hahaha!<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"157\" data-end=\"525\">After some reflection, I decided to tackle a topic that is very close to my heart: women! I can already feel your surprise\u2026<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"527\" data-end=\"911\">I think it\u2019s fair to say that the Chicks And Machines community brings together a good number of extraordinary women\u2014women who have chosen to take part in activities that were originally reserved for men. But more specifically, I wanted to talk to you about women who have chosen to work in non-traditional fields.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"527\" data-end=\"911\"><strong>Since I fall into that category myself, why not take the opportunity!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;33325&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"918\" data-end=\"939\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Feminist%E2%80%A6_or_not\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"918\" data-end=\"939\">Feminist\u2026 or not?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"941\" data-end=\"1209\">Alright! For those wondering, what does it mean to work in a non-traditional field?<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p data-start=\"941\" data-end=\"1209\">A job is considered \u201cnon-traditional\u201d when it includes less than 33% women.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p data-start=\"941\" data-end=\"1209\">That being said, the opposite is also true\u2014a field with less than 33% men would be non-traditional for them.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1211\" data-end=\"1320\"><strong>Now that we\u2019ve cleared that up, what does it actually mean to be a woman in a traditionally male environment?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1322\" data-end=\"1667\">I don\u2019t know whether we\u2019re born feminists or become one over time, but let me tell you\u2014my perspective on feminism has evolved, and the field I work in has a lot to do with that.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1322\" data-end=\"1667\">I used to be one of those who would take offense at the first macho comment, who believed women were equal to men in every way, and who fed their ego on being a woman.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1669\" data-end=\"1731\">I can already hear you reacting, ladies! Let me explain a bit\u2026<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1733\" data-end=\"2028\">Women push boundaries every single day\u2014boundaries that were once imposed on them. Of course, there\u2019s a lot to be proud of!<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-start=\"1733\" data-end=\"2028\"><em><strong>But my perspective on feminism has become more humble over time. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1733\" data-end=\"2028\">Working in heavy industry has made me aware of our respective limits\u2014and more importantly, our differences.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2030\" data-end=\"2525\">Today, standards and tools exist to standardize work methods and make tasks as accessible as possible for everyone. However, there\u2019s one key factor that comes into play: grit.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2030\" data-end=\"2525\">You know those men who work tirelessly, never complain about being tired, and make everything look \u201ceasy\u201d?<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2030\" data-end=\"2525\">The best image I have to explain this comes from my grandfather. He grew up in a farming family, and after a long day of work, his father would say, \u201cLet\u2019s go weed the garden while we rest!\u201d You see what I mean?!<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;33319&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2527\" data-end=\"2811\">Being surrounded by men like that in my workplace\u2014believe me\u2014it\u2019s easy to say \u201ca woman can do anything a man can do.\u201d But I now understand the weight of those words and what they imply. Our limits are different, and I can only feel immense respect for that strength and sense of duty.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2813\" data-end=\"3012\">Don\u2019t get me wrong\u2014I\u2019m not saying these qualities are exclusively male. I\u2019m simply saying that it\u2019s from these men around me that I\u2019ve drawn inspiration. Today, in a way, I follow in their footsteps.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3014\" data-end=\"3194\">Over the years, I\u2019ve come to believe that feminism may not be about pride or ego, but rather about respect. Knowing your strengths, recognizing your limits\u2014and respecting yourself.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"3201\" data-end=\"3228\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Few_Bumps_in_the_Road\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"3201\" data-end=\"3228\">A Few Bumps in the Road<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3230\" data-end=\"3635\">Of course, life being what it is, there are obstacles no matter which path you choose. As you\u2019ve probably guessed, physical strength is one of them.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3230\" data-end=\"3635\">Just think about opening a jar of pickles\u2026 they\u2019ve invented a whole range of tools just to help us open those things! Okay, I\u2019m exaggerating a bit\u2014but you get the point. You find ways to achieve the same results, even if it sometimes takes a little longer.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;33321&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3637\" data-end=\"4004\">One thing that has truly impressed me is <strong>male solidarity. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3637\" data-end=\"4004\">The environment I work in is quite unique\u2014workers all live in a camp right on the mine site, with no nearby town or village. It\u2019s basically like living with 500 roommates for six months of the year\u2026 That creates a very different kind of bond compared to a workplace where everyone goes home after their shift.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4006\" data-end=\"4310\">When you spend over 12 hours a day together for weeks, you quickly become \u201cone of the boys.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4006\" data-end=\"4310\">Still, I don\u2019t think there\u2019s any need to debate that men and women are different haha\u2014and when you spend that much time as one of the only women among a large group of men, you definitely feel those differences!<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4312\" data-end=\"4523\">Don\u2019t get me wrong\u2014I\u2019m lucky to have incredible coworkers, always ready to help one another. It truly feels like a brotherhood. But you still have to expect encountering some level of machismo from time to time.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4525\" data-end=\"4822\">Even when you try to blend in, you have to learn to live with a bit of a \u201cspotlight\u201d over your head\u2026 and there\u2019s nothing you can do about it.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" data-start=\"4525\" data-end=\"4822\"><strong>It\u2019s hard not to stand out, no matter how much you try. You may face lingering looks, whispers, and sometimes people whose sense of respect has its limits.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4824\" data-end=\"5111\">Stories of harassment are very real\u2014and far more common than we might think. However, companies are becoming increasingly aware of this issue.<strong> The number of women in traditionally male fields is growing every year, which brings greater awareness of the psychological challenges involved.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5113\" data-end=\"5387\">There are various support systems available, but in my opinion, the most important thing remains having a relationship of trust with your supervisors. Since they are your closest resource, it\u2019s essential to feel comfortable enough to speak up about uncomfortable situations.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;40081&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; add_caption=&#8221;yes&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"5394\" data-end=\"5418\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Source_of_Strength\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"5394\" data-end=\"5418\">A Source of Strength<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5420\" data-end=\"5580\">I chose to highlight both positive aspects and some challenges in this article to illustrate <strong>what it <em data-start=\"5521\" data-end=\"5526\">can<\/em> be like<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5420\" data-end=\"5580\"><em>But nothing is ever entirely black or white.<\/em><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5582\" data-end=\"5865\">Despite some frustrating aspects, <strong>choosing this kind of field helps you build strong character<\/strong>, stand out, and truly accept who you are.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5582\" data-end=\"5865\">In these so-called \u201cmen\u2019s jobs,\u201d <strong>pushing your limits becomes part of everyday life and forces you to confront yourself<\/strong> more than you might expect.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5867\" data-end=\"5916\">It\u2019s a unique experience\u2014one that helps you grow.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5918\" data-end=\"6209\">To all the women who are just starting their careers or thinking about changing direction: don\u2019t be afraid\u2014go for it! Have the courage to do what you love. The pride you\u2019ll gain from it is incredible. After all, everyone deserves to follow their passions, whether they\u2019re traditional or not.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;33317&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"6216\" data-end=\"6230\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Because_women_belong_there_too\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"6216\" data-end=\"6230\">Because women belong there too<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"6232\" data-end=\"6446\">For those who may be interested, here are two programs aimed at supporting women in non-traditional fields. They offer scholarships for women pursuing college or vocational studies in predominantly male industries:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #467886;\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/centrelepont.com\/la-bourse-elles-sont-faites-pour-la-job-2024-pour-la-releve-feminine\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/centrelepont.com\/la-bourse-elles-sont-faites-pour-la-job-2024-pour-la-releve-feminine<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #467886;\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn-contenu.quebec.ca\/cdn-contenu\/education\/reconnaissance-prix\/chapeau-excelle\/Guide-Chapeau-23-24.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/cdn-contenu.quebec.ca\/cdn-contenu\/education\/reconnaissance-prix\/chapeau-excelle\/Guide-Chapeau-23-24.pdf<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Charlotte\"><\/span><em>Charlotte<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_cta h2=&#8221;These articles could also be of interest&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"penci-entry-title entry-title grid-title\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"On_the_path_to_equality_%E2%80%93_women_and_quad_is_there_a_difficulty\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/atv-en\/women-and-quad-difficulty\/\">On the path to equality \u2013 women and quad, is there a difficulty?<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"penci-entry-title entry-title grid-title\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Inspiring_Women_According_to_our_Chicks_And_Machines_Contributors\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/cars\/5-inspiring-women-cm-contributors\/\">5 Inspiring Women, According to our Chicks And Machines Contributors<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"penci-entry-title entry-title grid-title\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cynthia_Gauthier_Interview_with_a_Monster_Truck_pilot\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/cars\/cynthia-gauthier-interview-with-a-monster-truck-pilot\/\">Cynthia Gauthier: Interview with a Monster Truck pilot<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_cta][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] These Women, Non-Traditional\u2026 Hello everyone! Over the past few&hellip;","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":40079,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1745],"tags":[4641,4640,4639,4643,4642],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40078"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40078"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40078\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40079"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40078"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40078"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40078"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}