There's an expression that's been around for decades..
I guess it's passed you by..
That "It's much easier to be it, if you see it"
If people think a thing is not for them because they don't see people like them doing that thing, or represented in the media, they will be dissuaded from, or at least not encouraged to give it a go.
Such as in my case mechanised agriculture.
And probably from riding motorcycles, although there are plenty who do anyway.
Women and girls have been put off from trying all sorts of things by all kinds of (blokey bollix) sexist attitudes.
I had to put up with (or challenge) all kinds of outdated notions about what was possible, or even 'appropriate' when I was training
.
If I'd listened to even a third of it, I wouldn't be where I am now.
If women see other women doing it, and making a go of it, they're far more likely to think that it might be for them too.
Thankfully since I started far more women have come into agriculture, not just as 'farmers wives' or assistants with baby animals.
But as business owners, doing the full spectrum of work.
I've been cited over the years by quite a few women as an 'inspiration' to their agricultural and land based careers.
I'm pleased about that, and take it as a compliment.
The more of us there are in this field the better imo.
This is encouraged at least in part by other women 'seeing it'.
Same with most STEM disciplines, and other activities seen as traditionally reserved for males.
