BY JOY OFASIA
GLORETTA Anderson, 41, a mother to a daughter and a grandmother, works as a Cartographer at Safe Signals, a private UXO/Bomb Survey and Clearance company.
Dealing with UXO and hazardous substances is obviously a very risky and dangerous undertaking and with the influence of our cultural tradition, such line of work are distinct for male gender.
However, Gloretta loves her job and she said what inspires her a lot is, with the challenges she has come across in her job, learning something new out of these challenges is a prize.
She said having been taught and inspired by experienced and resourceful senior UXO experts is such an honour for her.
There is a motivational mechanism that brings inspiration and it makes me grow to love my job. One has to feel comfortable in a workplace and the surrounding environment in order to love a particular job.
Continue on and read her inspiring story in her own words.
EDUCATION AND WORK BACKGROUND
I did my secondary education at Beulah Secondary, Goldie College and Selwyn College. I attended Solomon Islands College of Higher Education (now SI National University) and I attained a certificate in Primary Teaching. I taught at several schools namely; St. Nicholas School, Mbokona Community High School and Adaua secondary School. I later joined the National Statistics Office and worked as a Field Surveyor while executing the National Government Surveys. I resigned from the NSO and later I took up studies at the University of South Pacific doing Bachelor of Law. Along the line, I have gone through other studies and training on Business Management and Finances, Data Analysis and Reporting, Management and Basic Engineering. In 2017 – 2019, I attended Marine and Conservation Programs at the International School of Fisheries in Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia.
PICKING THE JOB IN THIS FIELD
Due to the international border closures and travel bans I couldn’t get back to continue with my study. In search of a part-time job and opportunities, while awaiting the uncertainties of the pandemic, and from the studies and experiences I have pursued, I convinced myself to apply for the Cartographer position which was then advertised by Safe Signals Director, Mr Michael Maka.
Knowing the nature of work at Safe Signal company, my first impression of my team’s field operational activities was cloudy. I was having rushes of thoughts as to what should such a type of job have in future for me. It did not take long when it hits me that I was wrong. Having to work on a particular job is not all about money and salary, there are other important benefits that come along with such an impressive package which gives me a prospect of professional growth and leadership opportunity. It also gives me a great opportunity to learn self-discipline, respect, commitments, sacrifice, prominence of physical and mental ability, the importance of great teamwork and the courage to save lives. These have been the motivational mechanism that makes me love my job.
EXPERIENCES AS A WOMAN WORKING AMONGST MEN IN THE FIELD
In a society where religious and cultural beliefs plays the biggest influence on gender stereotype and distinct expectation for male and female, it has an impact on the personality, success and dreams of a woman and puts females at a disadvantage. As the only female working along with an all-male team, I do not categorize myself as a female but I’ve seen myself as a person with commitment, obligation and has a duty I ought to perform.
In such a nature of work where discipline and teamwork is vital, thus work ethic is appreciated, I owe a bunch of gratitude to my male team colleagues for the huge respect and appreciation they have shown me as a female field operator dealing with UXO. From my experience, to gain respect in such a situation where there is mixed gender, you ought to demonstrate decency, appreciation and respect for the other gender in order to be given the same respect.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES FACED
Dealing with UXO and hazardous substances is obviously a very risky and dangerous undertaking. With the influence from our cultural tradition, such line of work are distincted for the male gender. When people do not conform to the appropriate gender role for their culture, they may face negative sanctions such as being criticized or marginalized. In this case, I have also received criticism from close relatives and friends as to why I have to work in such a job while there are other suitable jobs for a female.
Since I didn’t categorise myself as a female working in a male-dominated industry, it gives me an opportunity to prove to them that theoretical culture traditional beliefs should be justified practically.
One challenge I came across while working with my male team was the difference between the amount of physical strength of a male and a female. I turn to teach myself that if the amount of physical strength I have beats the strength of three other males in my team then it’s a go for me. Another challenge is privacy at the restrooms and changing places. Well, when there is no other options available then the simplest way to go about it is to be amicable.
I had a partner who chooses to respect my choices and interest and learned to understand and appreciate the nature of the work I am in. Also, honesty is the key to avoiding misunderstanding and doubts, it creates a healthy mentality and clear conscience.
Adherence to these occupational roles demonstrates fulfilment of social expectations but may not necessarily reflect personal preference.
‘ONE THING I LOVE ABOUT THIS JOB’
There is a motivational mechanism that brings inspiration and it makes me grow to love my job. One has to feel comfortable in a workplace and the surrounding environment in order to love a particular job.
Most importantly, what inspires me a lot is, with the challenges I have come across in this job, learning something new out of these challenges is a prize. Getting to learn new skills and understanding in the field of UXO and explosives, and understanding the safety and dangers it has on the environment. Having been taught and inspired by our experienced and resourceful senior UXO experts is such an honour for me. Acquiring these knowledge boosts my interest, thus, it makes me turn to love this job.
‘ONE THING I FEAR MOST ABOUT THIS JOB’
Dealing with bombs and deadly explosives is clearly a risky business. Explosives are created to kill and destroy. Most of our activities are being carried out in uncharted environments and circumstances. To me, one has to possess courage and determination to overcome these fears and our slogan also stands out “Your Safety, Our Risk, Our Priority”.
ENCOURAGEMENT AND ADVICE FOR YOUNG WOMEN AND GIRLS
Deriving from our culture’s traditions, there has been imprinted influences which distinct gender roles; jobs meant for male and female. Not all men are breadwinners, there are women who also plays the “father-mother” role in the family. If this distinctive gender role theory has been practically ousted then there should be room for females to step out of their comfort zone and try the odds. It’s all about what’s in your mind that determines the power to set your precedence. If nobody is there to do it, who else will? If I can do it then sure do, you can.
Parents should know what culture traditional beliefs, expectations and values are you passing on to your daughters. Are these the same for your sons? There should be ensuring equity in the responsibilities to teach the children. Learning to sowing to new heights is not supposed to be monopolized.
