When I was in high school, we were allowed to choose between home economics and shop class. In my parent’s generation, they didn’t get a vote in the matter – girls took home ec, boys took shop, no questions asked. I’m sure everyone can guess what I picked – yes, shop – it was little old me and about 25 boys. One of our projects was to build a small wooden race car, which we would then race down a small inclined race track. I built my car, and quite well, I might add – but then my father said, “Let’s modify it a little.” After inserting two lead weights in the bottom and coating the axles with graphite, I was ready to race. I blew all the boys out of the water, and my shop teacher held up my car as an example of A. Excellent building skills and B. Knowledge of physics.
I mention this incident for two reasons. First, because it’s a nice memory that my Dad and I share. Second, because I just saw an article on what Moroccan women are being taught in the recently created “Professional Training Centers.” Designed to benefit “girls who have not received or have been unable to complete their formal education to receive training to obtain proper academic qualifications, ” they provide instruction in “information technology-based management, needlecraft, household management, traditional and modern embroidery, hairdressing and beauty treatment, and fashion.”
I was a bit taken aback by that list. It’s like the old Sesame Street song, “One of these things is not like the other, one of these things is not quite the same.” By IT-based “management”, I suspect they’re only teaching them basic computer skills, though I’m glad to hear it. That would allow them to have jobs that are just starting to integrate IT, such as a front desk receptionist at a small hotel. As for the other things – what the heck? What Moroccan woman isn’t already a whiz at household management? As for the others, ugh. I’m all for women learning new skills, but in a larger context. Wouldn’t it be great if they taught hairdressing in conjunction with basic accounting and business management? Then they would have the potential to start their own business and be successful at it.
Oh well. I have to keep reminding myself, ????,????.