Wo/men's work

Series produced by Sarah Elzas

Series image

Women doing so-called "men's' work", and vice versa, in France

Men and women are equal under the law in France, but women still earn an average 20% less than men, and certain professions are still very much dominated by one gender or the other. These are profiles of women and men doing the opposite.

One could call this series "The 2%" because several of the people said that only 2% of their gender was represented in their profession. But that was difficult to verify.

But whatever their actual numbers, women doing so-called "men's work" and men doing so-called "women's work" are very dedicated to what they do.


5 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
Caption: Firefighter Lucille Morel next to an ambulance , Credit: Sarah Elzas
For most of its history, the Paris fire brigade has been all male. One of the force's 400 women talks about the physical challenges, and the need t...

Bought by WAMC Northeast Public Radio, PRX Remix, and KUOW


  • Added: Nov 16, 2014
  • Length: 04:08
  • Purchases: 3
Caption: The blogger, Paf le PAF, and his sons, Credit: paf-le-paf.fr
A stay-at-home dad in France is unusual. And this one blogs!

Bought by WAMC Northeast Public Radio


  • Added: Nov 16, 2014
  • Length: 04:09
  • Purchases: 1
Caption: Elizabeth Askren Brie conducts the Orchestre Colonne in 2010, Credit: Thomas Bartel
Conducting is a surprisingly male world. Elizabeth Askren Brie has fought sexism throughout her career.

Bought by New Hampshire Public Radio and WAMC Northeast Public Radio


  • Added: Nov 16, 2014
  • Length: 04:01
  • Purchases: 2
Caption: Midwife Nicolas Dutriaux holds a model of a pelvis he uses with patients., Credit: Sarah Elzas
Midwife Nicolas Dutriaux says the gender balance of his profession has lead to its marginalization.

Bought by WAMC Northeast Public Radio and PRX Remix


  • Added: Nov 16, 2014
  • Length: 04:10
  • Purchases: 2
Caption: Car mechanics Aurore and Melina at the Only Girls garage, Credit: onlygirls-auto.fr
Car mechanics tend to be male. A Paris-area garage is trying to change that by hiring women to appeal to women.

Bought by WAMC Northeast Public Radio


  • Added: Nov 16, 2014
  • Length: 04:10
  • Purchases: 1