A gang of gals in Sandringham has established a first-of-its-kind project, the WomenzShed, to hone their woodworking skills and build a bridge across the gender divide.
It’s inspired by the Men’s Shed concept, a long-established, international charitable association which aims to bring men of all backgrounds and abilities together in workshops to socialise and contribute to their communities both through education and by building things.
Since its inception around 18 months ago, the WomenzShed has hosted over 30 workshops, attended by more than 200 women.
“This Community Shed does so much good for the men and probably saves the country millions in care homes as the guys have this amazing place where they can come and feel connected,” founder Nikki Moss tells Verve as the class busily measures and chops wood around us. “And I just felt that women should also be able to share the same opportunities.”
Even the buzz of multiple saws can’t drown out the obvious camaraderie; but it’s serious business, too. A woman rises from rummaging beneath her workbench and there are murmurs about the men having either moved – or pinched! – some of their wood.
“Some of the women arrive having literally never picked up a hammer before,” Nikki continues. “We offer a range of workshops including an introductory course that covers basic woodworking skills, and even some metal working.”
Originally from the UK, Nikki’s father was a builder, and she was “mixing concrete and laying bricks by the time I was 10”. After uni, she enjoyed varied career and hobby paths that included home renovations, natural sciences, IT, lecturing, and the military. She now counts an NZ Certificate in Construction Trade Skills for carpentry as another string to her bow.
Mathilde Polmard is a WomenzShed instructor who studied architecture and design, and now boasts plenty of practical experience having built everything from cabinetry to tiny homes. “Some of the women just need that little bit of confidence and encouragement, especially when it comes to using power tools,” she says. “Men just don’t seem to have that same reservation. Being a women-only group means that they won’t feel stupid or judged if they make a mistake. Everyone’s in the same boat.”
A woman not lacking in such skills is Courtney Willan, who’s now well on her way to becoming a fully qualified carpenter – and WomenzShed instructor – having previously gained a bachelor’s in English and history and trained to be a teacher. “My partner and I attended a woodworking class and made a tea tray, and it was just so much fun,” she beams. “I’ve always been into arts and crafts, making costumes and things like that, and I just wondered about delving into the power tool side of things. Now I want to help other women upskill, and hopefully encourage others to get out in the field with me.”
Not all workshop attendees are necessarily looking at woodwork as a career, many are simply looking to learn new tricks and be less reliant on the blokes when it comes to putting together flat packs or hanging shelves in their homes. Nikki says that there is clearly a confidence gain that spills over into other areas of their lives as she proudly shows off some bowls, a planter, and bait boxes that have been built by the group – the latter to be donated to DOC, Auckland Council, and the wildlife charities Urban Ark – Manawa Taiao and BirdCare Aotearoa. The WomenzShed recently also hosted a local Brownies group.
“Empowerment is definitely a word that comes up a lot,” says Mathilde. “Women want to acquire some practical skills that they don’t feel they’ve been given the opportunity to learn throughout their lives.”
The women have had plenty of support in the community, with tool donations coming from Bosch and The Block NZ.
“Practical skills aside, it’s also great for your mental health,” says Nikki. “You have to be present and focused when using these tools. Your mind clears of everything else. I like to think that we’re leading the field with what we’re doing. It’s been so popular. The workshops have sold out really quickly and so there’s obviously a great call for it.”
To find out more, and book a workshop, head to womenzshed.org.
