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Women in Boatbuilding CIC and US Fellowship recipient combine forces this summer to create ‘British Boatbuilders in 2023’ – A snapshot of Women working hands-on. Women in Boatbuilding was approached by Annie Means to be a part of her research Fellowship this summer. Together they are creating a snap-shot of what boatbuilders are working on in the summer of 2023 – with the focus being on the practical skills being used and the projects they are working on. Annie is a recent US university graduate and a recipient of the Thomas J. Watson Fellowship for the 2023-2024 term. The Thomas J. Watson Fellowship presents a year-long opportunity for purposeful and independent exploration outside the United States. For her fellowship project, she will be embarking on a journey to the United Kingdom to delve into gender roles within the maritime industry, particularly by collaborating with women involved in the boatyard scene. Annie will be visiting boatyards across the UK, interviewing boatbuilders and capturing content of their work. This material will then be used to create more awareness of the work that women are already doing, encourage more women to know that boatyards can be inclusive and more boatyards to see the benefit of diversity and offer equity in their employment. By helping to create a narrative of skill and expertise in the boatbuilders we interview, the project’s aim is to take the focus away from gender-difference, and onto normalising the presence of women in the boatyard environment and the tangible benefit that their work and expertise can bring. About Annie: ‘The boatbuilding industry, as well as the maritime sector as a whole, is predominantly male-dominated. My objective is to document and amplify the experiences of women mariners and shipbuilders through my fellowship. Working alongside WIBB, during the months of July and August, I am seeking to meet and gather testimonials from the remarkable women working in the United Kingdom's boatyards. I am enthusiastic and eager to document and learn about the experiences of women in the maritime industry in 2023. Capturing the current state of this industry and its transformative journey toward inclusivity and diversity can provide valuable insights into where the nautical community has been and where it's trending. As an avid boater, my interest in this topic was sparked during my two-month journey through Canada's Inside Passage. Last summer, I had the privilege of captaining a small motor trawler with an all-female crew, tracing the footsteps of a pioneering female sea captain and mother who ventured into the remote inlets of British Columbia in the early 1920s and 1930s. Her story inspired me to pursue boating. Recognizing the existence of remarkable and adventurous women throughout the history of this industry, who have often been overshadowed, motivated me to connect with individuals in 2023.’ So far, Women in Boatbuilding has focused on telling career stories – how did boatbuilders get into it? They’ve launched a mentoring programme – supporting women at the start of their careers. Now they are really excited to be focusing on the skills of British boatbuilders in this snapshot – telling the story of what everyone is making in the yard in the summer of 2023. Annie will be visiting yards from July 24th to August 18th 2023. If you or your boatyard would like to be a part of ‘British Boatbuilders in 2023’, please get in touch. Belinda Joslin – Women in Boatbuilding - [email protected] Annie Means - Thomas J Watson Fellow 2023 – 2024 - [email protected] Instagram @womeninboatbuilding www.womeninboatbuilding.com British Boatyard tour….How will it work? Annie will be travelling round mostly by herself, sometimes with Amy Stringfellow in South West and Belinda Joslin in East, both directors of WIBB. She would love a tour of the yard, because who doesn’t love a yard tour! And she would like to ask ‘How many people working hands-on in the boatyard and gender split today’? The interview, filming and images won’t take long – it’s a snapshot, not a full personal career interview we’re after. All images will be in the workplace, working on whatever it is that’s being done at that particular time – no posing, or pretence. The interview questions will be asked before and after filming – not during boatbuilding. We’ve been interviewed before whilst using tools and it’s really stressful and neither the work, or interview is good. The sort of questions that will be asked of boatbuilders:
All footage and images would be owned by ‘Women in Boatbuilding CIC’ and used at their discretion. Annie will also be blogging during the tour, using images to share her journey and observations. By participating in this project, you will be agreeing to have the answers and footage shared on social media. We commit to using the material in a respectful way to create inspiring and informative content. Please let us know how and where you want to be tagged. Comments are closed.
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