Women Advance A ‘more Civilised And Sophisticated... (Press, 30 August 1988)

Wendy Traill, from Geraldine, has become only the second woman to winter over at Scott Base in its 30-year history. Traditionally assigned roles include cleaner and kitchen hand, but like the 11 male members of the team, she is also part of the fire crew. Ms Traill was offered the opportunity to stay for the winter at the end of the summer season in February 1988, which she eagerly accepted as a "once in a lifetime opportunity." She expressed that it was easier to make her decision after getting to know her male colleagues at Scott Base. The decision to employ a full-time general duties person for the winter was influenced by the completion of the Scott Base rebuilding programme earlier that year. Previously, this role was collectively shared among all staff during the winter months. Ms Traill hopes that her position will enable other women to winter over at Scott Base in the future. The first woman to have had this experience was Thelma Rodgers, a scientific officer from Christchurch, who wintered over in 1979. According to Dr Tony Taylor, a psychologist who has studied the wintering experience at Scott Base, it is ideal for at least two women to winter together, as they can maintain their feminine identity amidst a predominantly male environment. Ms Traill has the opportunity to interact with women at the nearby McMurdo Station, situated 3 km away, which mitigates her isolation. Dr Taylor also observes that the presence of women has a calming influence, making the atmosphere in Antarctica more reminiscent of a ski club. While women were part of the Antarctic workforce as early as 1946-47, when the first two women worked alongside their husbands during the Finn Ronne Expedition, significant progress towards female inclusion began in the 1970s. Although men historically kept women out of such roles to assert their own resilience, there has been no evidence to suggest that this exclusion was related to homosexual preferences. The Russians were pioneers in providing equal opportunities for both sexes in Antarctica, albeit only during the summer season. Recently, families have been allowed at some South American bases in the region, although there is no indication that other nations will adopt similar policies. Dr Taylor stresses that the inclusion of women in Antarctic programs is significant and cannot be overlooked. As more women participate in these expeditions, the dynamics of team composition and the nature of attractions within the group will evolve. Additionally, personnel may require training on issues such as sexually transmitted diseases and interpersonal relationships, considering the emotional challenges that arise in such isolated communities. While no specific studies have examined the impacts of women in small Antarctic communities, Dr Taylor concludes that their presence has injected a more civilised and sophisticated atmosphere into life at the bases.

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