Women in Sheds
Men’s Sheds of WA supports many different shed models.
Women in Sheds
Approximately 30% of Men’s Sheds across Western Australia have women members and participants.
Women’s Sheds and Community Sheds
At Men’s Sheds of WA we extend our support and welcome to Community Sheds and Women’s Sheds, ensuring inclusivity and community support across all similar entities. While our organisation’s prime focus is on men’s health, we have many resources, events, funding programs and opportunities that are open to all WA Sheds, and accept Community and Women’s Sheds in our membership.
Women in Sheds
If your Men’s Shed is considering wider community participation this is a decision that needs to be made by the Shed Committee with consultation and support from your Shed members. Men’s Sheds of WA supports many different Shed models of operation. We encourage Sheds to be mindful of the founding objectives of the Men’s Sheds movement in creating safe places focused on supporting men’s health and wellbeing. These objectives are listed in the Rules of most Men’s Sheds; altering objectives may have an impact on a Sheds charitable and deductible gift recipient status.
Included below are some useful hints when considering opening Sheds up to other genders.
What is the definition of a Men’s Shed
You can find out the Men’s Sheds of WA definition of a Men’s Shed here.
A Men’s Shed is typically a group of men who are members of an incorporated association. It is important to note a Men’s Shed is rarely referred to in any organization’s rules as the community facility (building).
Approaches to Including Women in Sheds
Many Sheds across Western Australia have women members and participants. These are some of the approaches that have been adopted by other Sheds:
Women/Mixed Sessions: This is often the preferred option, particularly if there is limited, or new and developing interest from the women in the local community. In this approach Sheds organise dedicated sessions for women at times when the Shed would otherwise be closed. This allows for a comfortable environment for women to participate whilst still maintaining the regular focus and activities of the Shed. Typically, it would require experienced Shed Supervisors to attend these sessions (either from the Men’s Shed group, or women trained as Shed Supervisors).
Insurance requirements need to be checked with the Shed’s insurer; non-regular sessions may enable the Shed to class participants as visitors.
Associate Membership: If there is already a level of interest from women in the local community an Associate Membership can sometimes be offered. Under this arrangement Associate Members would typically not attend the Shed committee meetings or have voting rights. This would most likely require an update to your Rules (Constitution), unless there is already a provision for Associate Membership. Associate members will need to be covered by the Shed’s insurance, usually provided for in the Associate Member fees. (Noting that Associate Membership is often at a reduced rate than Full Membership to the Shed.) An Associate Membership model would likely involve regular meetings between the Associate Members’ supervisor and a representative from the Committee to facilitate communication, feedback, and updates.
Full Membership: When there is a significant level of interest from women in the local community a Shed may consider opening its membership to include Full Membership for women. This may require an update to your Rules (constitution), unless there is no gender specified for membership. This approach allows for women to participate in the committee and vote. Whilst women may qualify for Full Membership under this approach, it is important to maintain objectives focused on the positive promotion of men’s health and wellbeing.
Women’s Sheds
If there is significant interest and support to establish a Women’s Shed, this may be the preferred option. Women can establish their own incorporated group, and as a seperate entity the Women’s Shed would manage their own organisation, governance and facility. This would also mean the Women’s Shed would not be involved in the running of the Men’s Shed or the facility. In this instance a Women’s Shed may lease the use of the facility and equipment from the Men’s Shed on specific days/times if an agreement is reached between the two entities.
Advantages of this include:
- The Men’s Shed Rules and objectives are maintained.
- Clear boundaries between the two entities are established.
- Maximises the use of the community facility.
- Demonstrates to funders and stakeholders inclusivity and broader community engagement.
Men’s Sheds of WA cannot recommend a preferred approach for including women in Men’s Sheds. This will depend on several factors including community interest.
If you have any questions, or would like to discuss the matter in more detail please contact the Men’s Sheds of WA team.
Supported by
Our Patron
His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson APM
Governor of Western Australia and Mrs Darrilyn Dawson
