Women in Industry
Women get asked different questions in a traditionally male work environment, and it can be challenging to enter a workplace that is rich in masculine norms and values.
Margrét Halldóra Arnarsdóttir is the chairwoman of Félag fagkvenna (the Association of Professional Women), which is an association for women in male-dominated trades. She is an electrician herself and is very familiar with the challenges that come with working in a trade where the gender ratio is imbalanced.
After graduating from upper secondary school, Margrét went to university but soon found that the structure of the studies did not suit her. She therefore began to consider other options and applied for programmes in auto mechanics and electrical work. "The people in the electrical programme responded first," she says, "and I just decided to go for it and have been doing it ever since." Margrét attended day and evening classes at Tækniskólinn (the Technical College) and completed her studies in two years. "It's a real possibility," she says, "and a great way to complete a journeyman's certificate in the shortest possible time."
Margrét says the work environment is good, with many very professional companies. "I have encountered both very positive attitudes but have also been asked if my dad owns the company and if I really have a journeyman's certificate. It takes time," she says, "many tradesmen are not used to seeing women doing their jobs and find it strange."
That is why the Association of Professional Women is such an important platform to talk to each other, provide support, and work together to promote the image of professional women. Her message to the trade community is that if men notice something inappropriate or something that could be improved, they should stand up for the girl in the group. "She doesn't want to cause trouble and may not say anything, but that doesn't mean the behaviour is okay," she says.
Margrét took over as chairwoman of the Association of Icelandic Electricians in the middle of Covid and finds it a very exciting task. "I am proud to be the first woman to hold that position," she says. Alongside her role as chairwoman, she teaches practical electrical work and finds it a fun connection to work for the interests of electricians and participate in teaching future members of the association.
