Women Break Stereotypes with Stimulus Jobs

Because of modern equipment, the difference between a man and woman's strength is becoming less of an issue, making what some are calling masculine jobs open to anyone who is willing to step up.

Monday, March 9th 2009, 10:08 pm

By: News 9


By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- President Barack Obama's stimulus package is expected to create millions of jobs, but some critics argue too many are geared towards men.

Nearly 380,000 people are expected to work jobs in infrastructure, and about 500,000 are slated for energy which also deals with manufacturing and engineering. Both industries are male dominated.

Those in construction said it may just be time for men and women to change the stereotypes.

Because of modern equipment, the difference between a man and woman's strength is becoming less of an issue, making what some are calling masculine jobs open to anyone who is willing to step up.

Equipment operator Karli Ray works a job behind the wheel of a big machine.

"I definitely think more women should do this," Ray said. "I mean, we're just as good as guys."

Michelle Poole has also worked in the industry for the 31 years of her career. She's now a forewoman, but she's still just one of three females on a construction site of more than 60 employees.

"It does not matter if you're a woman or a man," Poole said. "The job is the same."

Shela Brown knows it's easier said than done. She's been helping contractors recruit at job fairs and sees the reaction of females who pass by.

"They're not thinking they can actually run the big equipment," Brown said.

Those in doubt should watch Ray in action.

"I guess I'm five-foot-four, 115 pounds," Ray said.

Oklahoma City University's Jody Horn said times of economic turmoil prove good times for gender stereotypes to shift.

While some of her feminist counterparts disagree, she thinks the stimulus is actually female friendly.

"The jobs that they're going to sustain are primarily, I think, female-indentified, like teachers, social work, working with children, healthcare," Professor Horn said.

Stimulus construction-based jobs are soon going to be in the thousands, so there is a message to female job seekers.

"Think a little outside the box, that maybe there is something in that industry for me," Brown said.

Recruiters said while everyone is urged to apply, keep in mind unemployment numbers are driving competition up.

You can apply for the construction jobs online.

The Obama Administration has said they believe over 40 percent of stimulus jobs will go towards women.

The first phase of ODOT stimulus project bidding begins next week.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

March 9th, 2009

March 22nd, 2024

March 14th, 2024

February 9th, 2024

Top Headlines

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 27th, 2024