Last summer at La Macina

Last summer, I began working with the “La Macina Terre Alte” cooperative as a scholarship recipient, but also as an instructor and canoe tour leader. My work took place primarily along the Candigliano River and the Lake of Mercatale, two excellent canoeing spots in our area.

Working in a male environment

From the beginning, I realized that most of my colleagues were men, and this didn’t initially cause me any problems. However, as a woman, I know that many work situations are often tainted by ideologies such as patriarchy and sexism. Furthermore, as a young woman, I am also well aware of how Italian society is unfortunately heavily influenced by so-called “hazing”.

Despite this, I didn’t harbor any prejudices or preconceptions and began working with my colleagues with ease, later having the pleasure of discovering that the environment I found myself in had not been contaminated by these erroneous ideologies.

Finding respect and support

At times, I’ve even found myself joking with my colleagues about these concepts, addressing important and sensitive topics like these with a lighthearted spirit. Personally, with a few exceptions, I think that easing into the situation is an effective way to approach certain difficult issues.

Even in other areas where I wasn’t skilled, I’ve found kind and loving support from my colleagues, who have been able to guide and advise me, drawing on their years of experience. One of my goals is to become an Environmental Hiking Guide like my colleagues, and I’ve found great support and advice from them.

Discovering cooperation

The “La Macina” cooperative has slowly become my family over the months. Through the community of people who are part of it, at various levels and in various fields, I’ve begun to understand what true cooperation means, how wonderful it is to collaborate with others toward the same goal, and how important it is to have a healthy, understanding, and respectful work environment.

Whatever field I’ve worked in, from environmental education to greenhouse work, to canoeing and trekking, I’ve learned the importance of keeping one’s word, of knowing how to organize and coordinate with colleagues.

Normalizing identity and respect

The one topic I believe needs to be normalized, in general, and not just in workplaces, is gender identity and sexual orientation. These are issues close to women’s hearts, but also to so many people, and I think it’s especially important to normalize them in our country, as a lot of women, like many other people, still find themselves facing environments hostile to these issues.

I hope every woman can find a healthy and supportive work environment like the one I found, and I hope that the growing awareness of these issues will slowly lead to a radical change in our society, which is more necessary now than ever.