Caretaker Babett: The strong woman in Weimar's schools!

Caretaker Babett: The strong woman in Weimar's schools!

In Weimar, Babett Balzereit's everyday working life is not just a job, but a real passion. As the only woman in a team of 13 caretakers, she ensures that the elementary school in Legefeld runs smoothly. Their work covers a wide range of activities: from mowing the lawn to clearing the warehouse, to minor repairs and collecting rubbish. Her day begins as early as 5:30 a.m. when she walks through the classrooms and after-school areas to make sure everything is in order. “The school building is older and can hold surprises,” she explains. She readily admits to these physical challenges, and B abett has no problem balancing her everyday life, just like a skilled woman in a male-dominated profession.

Balling Tenacity: From Arborist to Caretaker

Before working as a caretaker, Babett was an arborist and therefore brings valuable experience in male-dominated professions. This background story is reminiscent of Hannelore Schmelter, a school caretaker from Spandau who also fought against prejudice and is now considered a role model for many women. Schmelter started her career in a male-typical profession at a time when it was still unthinkable for women. She regularly convinces her male colleagues of the abilities of women in this industry - an astonishing success that also applies to Babett.

During the holidays, Babett has the opportunity to clear up major tasks and get the school up to speed. She sorts old furniture, prepares for the school launch and takes care of a sugar cone tree for the new first graders. “It’s the little encounters with the children that enrich my day,” she says with a smile. Every smile and every encounter is an important part of her work.

Women in male-dominated professions

The challenges that women like Babett and Hannelore face cannot be underestimated. According to a publication by the Federal Employment Agency, there is a clear difference in the proportion of women in different professional groups in Germany. While the proportion of women is high in social professions, the situation is completely different in technical and craft professions. These differences are not only noticeable in Weimar or Spandau, they extend throughout Germany, which requires the goal of equality.

• Im handwerklichen Bereich liegt der Frauenanteil lediglich bei 10 %.
• In sozialen Berufen sind es hingegen bis zu 80 %.
• Die Branche der Hausmeisterinnen verzeichnet ebenfalls einen stark unterrepräsentierten Frauenanteil.

It's very clear: women like Babett and Hannelore are breaking stereotypes and showing young girls that careers in male-dominated societies are also within their reach. It is time to continue to take on these challenges and fight together for equality in working life. This will ensure that more women will continue to enter skilled trades in the future and demonstrate their skills.

Both women are not only inspiring role models for others, but also conscious pioneers in their professions. “I would have liked to learn a skilled trade such as carpentry or locksmith,” says Hannelore. Times are changing, and that's a good thing. Each of these stories counts and shows that progress is important. Because who knows what the future will bring?