She’s got the power

Women’s sheds: where women pick up tools, skills and confidence

A new kind of shed

Across Australia, women’s sheds are quietly transforming lives by giving women a place to learn hands‑on skills, make friends and reclaim a sense of independence. Unlike the longer‑established men’s shed movement, most women’s sheds run on the smell of an oily rag, powered by volunteers, donated tools and a whole lot of determination.

More than power tools

As the Australian Women’s Weekly article “She’s Got The Power” explains, women come to sheds for many reasons: to try a jigsaw or drill for the first time, to rebuild confidence after job loss or retirement, or simply to get out of the house and be with others. Members talk about starting out “scared stiff” of big saws, then gradually learning one tool at a time until they’re building furniture, fixing things at home and feeling genuinely empowered.

Community, safety and support

Women’s sheds attract every kind of woman – from social workers to CEOs, single mums to retirees, lifelong DIY‑avoiders to experienced makers. The shed environment is supportive and non‑judgmental, where it is completely okay to be a beginner, to ask “silly” questions and to take time gaining confidence with tools and projects.

Why sheds matter

The article highlights how vital these spaces are for women who may be older, single or newly retired, and who can feel invisible or isolated. Learning to safely use tools, change a tyre or fix a leaking tap is not just practical; it reduces dependence on others, builds resilience and helps women feel they can shape their own futures.

Ararat Women’s Shed

Ararat Women’s Shed is proud to be part of this growing national movement of women learning, laughing and looking out for each other. If the stories in “She’s Got The Power” resonate with you, you are exactly the kind of woman who belongs in a shed – no experience needed, just curiosity and a willingness to have a go.

(We encourage you to read the full Australian Women’s Weekly piece to see how sheds like ours are changing lives around the country.)