Konstancja
“I see myself as a feminist of action. I’m working in a very male-dominated industry and what I’m trying to do is to show women that we can do what we want to do.”
Konstancja is making major strides as a rope access technician and welder in a field of work with limited female visibility. Although her occupation is dangerous at times, she feels most at home on her offshore trips, immersing herself in her duties and continually sharpening her skills. She is fearless and determined, giving others the benefit of the doubt and taking the time to understand different beliefs and perspectives. Her tenacious spirit is helping to make this industry more inclusive, proving that women are just as capable and badass when suspended hundreds of feet in the air. Meet Konstancja. This is her story.
K: Please introduce yourself!
KE: Hello, my name is Konstancja Elovitz, I’m 30 years old, and I swing on the rope for a living :) I’m a rope access technician, IRATA trainee instructor and welder. In my free time, I transform into an artist, bookworm, herbalist, nature lover and queen in my own plant kingdom.
K: Describe yourself in your own words
KE: This is always a hard question. Can the eye see itself? Can the knife cut itself? Can the “I” know myself? I love these questions but I will try it anyway - I see myself as a feminist of action. I’m working in a very male-dominated industry and what I’m trying to do is to show women that we can do what we want to do. Remember, 100 years ago studying was also a “male business.” If life on Earth will survive I would love to “see” equality and fairness in our society after my death and throw in a penny to this case.
K: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
KE: Eagle spirit - let’s say it like that. Seeing things from a larger perspective. I love learning about history, different philosophies, origins of phenomena, how society works. What’s fascinating to me is cognitive dissonance, for me there is never one truth. When you are aware enough, silent and humble you can see multiple realities in one everyday world. It can be a blessing or a curse, depends on where you are and what you need to do. Sometimes too sharp of a perspective becomes comfortless - but it’s also good, sometimes it gives an inevitable need for change.
K: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that has defined you or made you stronger?
KE: My first job on the sea. In one moment I realized what was missing in my whole life before on stable ground. I think I’m the only person I know who’s not happy about going back “home” from an offshore trip. Sometimes your home is not where you lived or came from; you need to have luck, courage, an open mind and a certain dose of bravado to find where you belong.
K: What is one piece of advice you’d give your younger self?
KE: You are wise enough, listen to your own guidance.
K: What does being a woman mean to you?
KE: Maybe I will surprise you, but nothing special. We are all human beings, regardless of color, sex, beliefs, age and so on. You can cut your head hair short and grow your leg hair, wear a tie or drive a truck, don’t give birth to a child if you don’t want to. To cut a long story short: do what you like and what your heart is telling you! It happened to me to be born as a woman so I took up the challenge and do my best to make the world a good place to live not only for the “chosen ones” but for all of us.
My key issue is to support, educate, encourage other women and build sisterhood communities as far as possible. I’m still a beginner but I want to develop my abilities to win more girl’s rights in upcoming years. I still see some envy and competition in women doing the same things and it’s okay, it comes from thousands of years of oppression, but now we can do our best to change winds. Be kind to each other - the bigger our group will be, the bigger change will we achieve.
K: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to them if they were here now?
KE: At first I thought about some great polish painters like Stryjenska or Lempicka but my imagination guide me to the famous American Old West. Poker Alice was one of the deadliest poker players in those days. Her playing skills were legendary. And now the cute part of the story - she gave her fortune to a local charity after her death. You can search for her history if you want to but for me she’s an example to follow in any of the “male dominated fields.” We are still fighting with discrimination in the 21st century, so imagine how it was in the beginnings of the white invasion (let’s call it by the name) in America in these early days. What would I say to her? I would invite her to my rope access training and encourage her to work on the ropes!