“When I introduced in my automotive for servicing, the mechanic didn’t take me significantly simply because I’m a lady,” says Ooi Ai Lyn from Penang.
“He told me: ‘You women don’t know much about cars, just give me the car keys and we’ll take care of it for you’,” she says.
“So I asked him, ‘But what are you going to do, we’ve not even told you what’s wrong with the car?’ and he replied, ‘Well, you’re using your spare tyre so you need to change it’,” she provides.
“And I replied, ‘Yeah, I’m the one who changed the tyre’. He was surprised but he took me seriously after that,” says Ooi.
As a lady, I feel it’s essential for us to empower ourselves with abilities and data, says Ooi. Photo: The Star/Ming TeohThe 37-year-old insurance coverage agent was one of many winners for the #AIASquashTheStereotypes Squash Clinic with nationwide Squash champ Nicol David.
“I read about the Squash Clinic on social media where Nicol David had a video about squashing stereotypes so I tried my luck and posted about my experience with gender stereotypes, and I’m really thrilled and honoured to be selected,” says Ooi.
Gender stereotypes sadly do exist, she says, and provides that she learnt how to change a automotive tyre from her father.
“I think that parents’ input is very important in gender equality. My dad never said that just because I’m a daughter and not a son, that car maintenance skills weren’t necessary,” she says.
“He still taught me and my sister how to do so because it’s all about survival skills, and he also gave us the tools for it,” she provides.We should not have the notion that “it is not mandatory for women to know such stuff”, says Ooi.
“As a woman, I think it’s important for us to empower ourselves with skills and knowledge. A lot of times, people think changing a car tyre requires physical strength. But even though it’s easier with strength, that’s not necessarily true because a girl with a slim build like me is able to do it,” she explains.
Ooi picked up squash after watching David win a recreation on the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil.
“This was in the 2000 when I was in UPM (Universiti Putra Malaysia). I came to the stadium to watch the game,” she says.
“I was really inspired, and there was a stall selling squash racquets, so with the little money I had as a student, I went and bought a racquet and started picking up the game,” she provides.
Ooi believes that as a lady, it’s essential not to let individuals impose limiting beliefs on you, on what you possibly can or can’t do.
“Picking up a survival skill is a necessity whether you’re a man or a woman,” she says.
‘This job is suitable for women’
Women ought to be able to do what they need. They shouldn’t be restricted due to gender stereotypes – and neither ought to males, says Loo. Photo: The Star/Ming TeohWendy Loo, a trainer from Penang, was additionally actually excited to win an opportunity to play squash with Nicol David.
“I didn’t expect to win and was so excited when I heard I had won. It all started when I saw Nicol David’s post on social media asking people to talk about gender inequality. I responded and liked the post,” says Loo, who performed squash 10 years in the past.
The 37-year-old reveals that as a trainer, one of many feedback that she normally will get is that “It’s a very suitable field for you because you’re a woman”.
“This is a very sexist remark, but my polite response is usually, ‘Thank you, I’m a natural. But we do have men in this field of teaching too, just the same as we also have male nurses, another field that is usually attributed to women,” she says.
Loo who lives and works in Kuala Lumpur says it’s essential to educate individuals about how damaging gender stereotypes can be.
“It’s important to empower women and educate people about gender equality. Women should be able to do what they want. They shouldn’t be restricted because of gender stereotypes – and neither should men,” she says.
Nicol David exhibiting contributors, together with Ooi (proper, in black) how to maintain the racquet accurately. Photo: The Star/Faihan Ghani
“As women, we should be allowed to be soft and not masculine. And we shouldn’t have to act like a man to be respected because everyone is equal,” she provides.
“Different people have different talents, so they should be respected for who they are, regardless of whether they’re men or women,” she concludes.
