I am a traveler – people assume that we women are not allowed to have jobs, but this is the truth

A WOMAN from the traveller community has debunked the myth that women don’t work.

Mother of two Heidi Clee revealed the real reason why Gypsy women don’t work in normal work environments.

2

2

She revealed that there is a common misconception that traveling women tend to stay home and take care of the house and children instead of working, but that is not always the case.

Responding to a comment on social media: “I’m Irish and have never heard of a travelling girl working. I don’t think their husbands/families would allow it, good for you girl.”

But Heidi quickly showed in a video that this was not the case.

The mother said: “When it comes to travelling women and gypsy women who want to work, it is never a question of them not being allowed to.

“That is not the case.

“Yes, we do indeed live a more traditional life, where the men work and the women do the housework.”

Heidi explained that she did not speak for everyone in the community, but that this was her experience working as a traveler.

She said she had worked numerous jobs before becoming a mother, but there were two reasons why many children decided not to work and made it difficult for them to do so.

Heidi said there was a lot of discrimination against travelers in the workplace, something she had seen with her own eyes.

While she was working, her employees discovered that she was from the traveler community and told her that they would not have hired her if they had known that.

Heidi continues: “In all the other jobs I’ve had, I’ve never said that I travel a lot and I would be fired for that reason.

“We all know that. That’s just the way it is.”

A ONS survey The research found that participating Gypsies and Travellers described barriers to employment, including a lack of skills, education or formal qualifications, and perceptions of discrimination from employers, colleagues and the settled community.

Heidi wasn’t happy with the discrimination she faced, but she said it was unavoidable and is why so many people from the traveller community start their own businesses instead.

She added: “Instead, they start their own business and operate by their own rules, knowing that if someone finds out they are a traveller, they won’t get fired because guess what? They are the boss.”

Women from the community often work for themselves, she says, making dresses and household items, or becoming beauty experts, so they can work on their own terms.

This also gives them the freedom to continue travelling whenever they want.

“It is certainly not the case that we are not allowed to work,” she concluded.

“It’s just that our way of working is a little bit different, as is our way of life.”

The clip she posted on her TikTok account @h.mccc was flooded with comments praising Heidi for calling out the discrimination she and other travelers face.

People were quick to share their thoughts in the comments.

Someone wrote: “Oh Heidi. That’s awful that people say that and are like that. I’m sorry.”

Another commented: “It’s absolutely disgusting that people think they have the right to speak like this and treat other people like this… I’m sorry!”

“I just don’t get why people treat you like this. Every exposure I’ve seen of your community has been so beautiful. I admire your values,” wrote a third.

Meanwhile, a fourth said: “This is horrible. I can’t believe this is real. There could be a law who defends your rights and who actually puts an end to this discrimination.”

Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Simply email: fabulousdigital@the-sun.co.uk and put EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.