In celebration of International Women’s Day - 8th March 2019 - we are talking all things she-shed!

A shed doesn’t have to be a ‘man cave’ or ‘man’s shed’, but can be a space for anyone to enjoy, females and males alike. 

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is #BalanceforBetter - “Better the balance, better the world”. Although today is dedicated to celebrating female achievements, we’re also looking to the future - building a gender-balanced world collectively. 

If you are looking to be part of the global campaign for gender equality, please head over to the International Women’s Day website to see how you can get involved!

It’s fair to say that ‘garden sheds’ are considered to be ‘male dominated’ or the ‘man’s domain’. However, in more recent years the role of men and women have become more fluid, with less emphasis placed on what constitutes as a female task and hobby, and vice versa. 

As such, both genders are enjoying the garden shed and adding their own interpretation to the transformation of their wooden structure! 

What is a she-shed?

The she-shed is designed to be a place for yourself - to enjoy ‘me time’. For most, we live in a fast-paced environment where it’s difficult to find time to relax and enjoy the things we love. The garden shed is often considered as a storage solution for garden tools and equipment, however, we encourage shed owners to think outside the norm. Your garden room can be used for so much more and can be a truly functional space with some small adaptations. The she-shed can be a place of sanctuary for peace and quiet, exercise, hobbies or a retreat to spend time with loved ones. 

We urge you to challenge the traditional stereotypes of garden sheds and transform your building to be a place of serenity that enhances your well-being and quality of life. 

We believe the she-shed is one step in the right direction and represents a change in the normal constructs of gender roles. For example, which was once considered to be the ‘man’s shed’ or ‘man cave’, is now enjoyed by anyone and everyone. 

How to create a she-shed?

A she-shed should be a tailor-made place for you. For most, adding a lick of paint instantly transforms the exterior and/or interior of your garden shed and completely changes the ambience. Adding furniture and decor can also personalise the space and give a more ‘homely’ feel. Lastly, adopting a theme or identifying the main purpose of your she shed, can help in your shed makeover! 

For more tips and tricks, please read our guide to creating a she-shed!

To create a warm, dry room for all year round use, we recommend investing in shed insulation. What’s more, our guide can also advise on how you can install electricity, heating, lighting, and internet and phone access to get the most out of your garden shed!

If you want to make a difference in the gender equality movement, please head over to International Women’s Day.