Meet the Canberra Women’s Shed

Sunita Kotnala from the Canberra Women’s Shed, for HerCanberra magazine.

Women’s Shed Canberra shows how a simple idea - introducing women to power tools in a safe, supportive space - can grow into something much bigger. The HerCanberra article explains that the shed now welcomes more than 50 participants, many of whom arrive with little or no DIY experience but leave with the skills and confidence to tackle their own projects at home. From “introduction to power tools” classes through to more advanced workshops, the focus is on building practical capability while breaking down the old belief that tools and trades are “not for women”.

Just as importantly, the story highlights the shed’s role as a place of connection, resilience and community. Women come together across ages and backgrounds to learn side by side, forming friendships, sharing stories and supporting each other through life’s ups and downs. For sheds like Ararat Women’s Shed, it is a powerful reminder that what happens around the workbench is about far more than timber and nails; it is about women finding their voice, their skills and their community.