Your journey as a woman in the cleaning industry

To say the least, it was exciting. Being a woman in the cleaning industry somehow feels natural and of course, I am not using this description to belittle or confine the role of women to cleaning. I am using this adjective, because it is natural for us to be thorough and have a meticulous vision when it comes to cleanliness and hygiene. Having said that, the challenges in the professional world of cleaning do not differentiate amongst gender. You just must be resourceful and well educated in the field to succeed.

Gender related challenges in your career

On a personal level, I haven’t faced any gender related challenges, but I did come across some. The problem is not that men cannot take orders from women. The problem is that you must have answers and agility to come up with solutions in cases of crisis or emergencies. Having adequate knowledge without knowing how to apply that knowledge is always open for criticism. So, for us to be heard as women in this industry, we must have the required knowledge, foresight, and the ability to act under pressure.

Advice to young women who aspire to pursue a career in the cleaning industry

My advice is to always take the job seriously and to educate themselves. There are a lot of changes in the field of cleaning, and they must be welcoming or at least acknowledging of the change. Sometimes old methods waste time, energy, and money. While, on the other hand, if we really know what we need and what is required, new technologies can save us all the latter. A woman in the cleaning industry should be shrewd and practical, keeping her eyes open to how she can help her team and educate them rather than follow a daily routine.