For many women, the transition into the “Empty Nester” phase of life brings a complex mix of emotions. After decades of prioritising the needs of a family through the role of ‘Mum,’ finding a new sense of purpose can often be a daunting prospect.
Bernadette found herself in this situation. She was at a crossroad where she had the drive and the time to learn, but the “Confidence Gap” meant stepping into the world of DIY felt like a challenge.
By joining Women Construct Wales, Bernadette stepped into a space where she was accepted and supported, regardless of experience. She discovered that it was this supportive community that would take her from newbie to a level of confidence that had her tiling her own bathroom. Her journey demonstrates the power of providing women with the space to rediscover themselves and confidently take on something completely new.
Q:Why did you want to join the project in the first place?
I was looking for something to do to fill my time because I had some time available to me. I was scrolling through Facebook, and an advert came up for women who want to do things like DIY in their own house. I’ve always wanted to have the confidence to put up a wall—why not? Knock down a wall, put up a wall! I’ve always wanted to be able to put up some shelves in my own house, and I’ve always been told I can’t do that. Now I can.
Q:How do you think opportunities like this help women close the gap?
I think in order to close the gap in anything in life, but particularly through male-dominated areas, is knowledge. And when you have knowledge, you have power, and then with power, we can do anything.
Q:What have you gained from being on the project so far?
So, I tiled my bathroom yesterday. This time last year, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to even try it. Whereas last week I was like, “I can do this, because I’ve done other things in the project that were way harder than this.” So I knew I could do it. Your project has given me back my confidence to do things I didn’t think I could do.
Q:What advice would you give other women thinking of joining?
Join! I know there are women of a certain age now, particularly empty nesters, and they’re not sure about joining new projects where there might be other ladies who are much younger than themselves. They’re lovely! Come along, join it, don’t be scared because, honestly, when you walk through that door you’ll be made to feel like family.
Q:Where do you see your future going because of the project?
In two years’ time, I see myself having a fully tiled house, shelves on the wall, and no more holes in the ceiling!
