Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Man cleaner in women changing rooms

372 replies

Globaluser · 22/01/2022 08:17

So I moved to Europe a year ago nearly and just recently started coming to the gym.

In this gym there were no notices up to state there’s both male and female cleaners. So I was caught kinda off guard when I walked out the shower and came across a man mopping the floors.

So I’m wondering since I didn’t really go to any u.k gyms. Is this actually normal?

I mean for me that means I will be showering at home from now on, as I see a difference between women seeing me naked and a man seeing me naked.
So I just wanted to ask how many of you would mind and how many of you have come across a male cleaner in a womens changing room in the u.k.
Thank you ☺️

OP posts:
JigglyPiggly · 22/01/2022 11:57

@MrBlobbyLivesNextDoor

Thankfully in the real world sensitive sally's aren't the norm.

You clearly don't have a grasp on the real world. Why don't you pull your head out of your arse and take a reality check.

The real world where male cleaners in female changing rooms is still the norm?

That real world

Get a grip

MrBlobbyLivesNextDoor · 22/01/2022 11:58

I don't need a grip. You keep it. You need all the grips you can get.

LesLavandes · 22/01/2022 12:03

I don't think it's right

Original poster
Globaluser · 22/01/2022 12:03

I don’t think I want to argue in this matter because it could trigger all sorts of responses.

The fact is some see it as okay whereas others don’t.

Yes, I was wearing a towel, but I didn’t feel comfortable taking my towel off in front of a strange man.
He did not do anything to make me feel uncomfortable, I just felt it because of his presence.
I’m being made to feel like I should be okay with this when I’m not.
It’s my choice to shower at home from now on. And also, i will not be complaining to the gym about this.

I am however, in shock over some of these responses.

OP posts:
Original poster
Globaluser · 22/01/2022 12:07

@MrBlobbyLivesNextDoor I don’t think some of the posters on here understand that people have different views from others and that women (especially after recent events) shouldn’t make other women feel like they are not being “modern” enough for society.
I hope I worded that right.

OP posts:
MrBlobbyLivesNextDoor · 22/01/2022 12:11

Globaluser I don't think they care that much about other women's comfort and concerns. And certainly some men don't give a shit either. The message is clear though. Put up and shut up.

EveryFlightBeginsWithAFall · 22/01/2022 12:15

I don't think this would bother me but then i wouldn't feel unsafe around some guy just doing his job

Yesyesyesno · 22/01/2022 12:15

Normal in my gym but I’ve found if it’s taken me by surprise eg I’m in a towel and look shocked or if I walked in and it’s just me and the male cleaner he will offer to leave.

Original poster
Globaluser · 22/01/2022 12:21

@EveryFlightBeginsWithAFall Well you know, many police officers are “just doing their jobs”. So I suppose I should feel safe around them, even if I don’t?

OP posts:
MrBlobbyLivesNextDoor · 22/01/2022 12:29

Ah yes, like this police officer just doing his job. Nothing to see here.

MrBlobbyLivesNextDoor · 22/01/2022 12:31

Oh look, more police just doing their job

Original poster
Globaluser · 22/01/2022 12:31

Police officers
Medical professionals
Teachers
Child minders

All people in these professions should be trusted completely. But are they really?

When at the doctors do they not ask you if you’d a female present when having a check up?

Have they not changed the law so that a lone police officer cannot approach a single woman?

How many people in these professions abuse the trust of a student, client or paitent? Enough times for laws to be changed/made so people can feel safe.

But then on here posters seem to think you should feel safe no matter where you are or who you’re with?

Evil predators have jobs as well you know.

OP posts:
MananaTomorrow · 22/01/2022 12:34

I wouldn’t mind because I don’t come out if the shower naked at a gym, regardless of who is around.

I also have no issue with mixed loos in a ‘they’ll know I have my period’ type of stuff. (I have other issues such as cleanliness and flashing)

MrBlobbyLivesNextDoor · 22/01/2022 12:34

Here's a cleaner just doing his job

MrsGHarrison87 · 22/01/2022 12:35

Bet he loves his job. But no it's not normal or acceptable. Perhaps if there are cubicles, absolutely not otherwise.

MananaTomorrow · 22/01/2022 12:36

I think you are mixing things a lot there.

All the situations you describe are putting women in a vulnerable position. You shouldn’t be in a vulnerable position when taking a shower at the gym.

Original poster
Globaluser · 22/01/2022 12:37

@MrBlobbyLivesNextDoor oh my gosh the train toilet cleaner story is atrocious!!

OP posts:
Original poster
Globaluser · 22/01/2022 12:43

So what you’re saying is until something horrific happens to some woman in a woman’s changing room by a male cleaner and its reported and then widely broadcasted, I’m fine?

OP posts:
JigglyPiggly · 22/01/2022 12:56

@Globaluser

So what you’re saying is until something horrific happens to some woman in a woman’s changing room by a male cleaner and its reported and then widely broadcasted, I’m fine?
?

What do you think most people base their fear perception from

Most normal people aren't scared or fearful of something with no known risk factors there

Thirtytimesround · 22/01/2022 12:57

In the UK it is unusual but happens sometimes. There will always be a sign up and on one occasion at my gym a female staff member (receptionist) popped into the ladies changing rooms to warn the ladies that a man (plumber) was about to enter. The situation you describe sounds very disrespectful to women 😥

I hate hate hate how women are forced out of facilities like this. The best pool in our area, I can’t use, because they only have communal showers and everyone keeps their costumes on. Fine for the men but I can’t wash my bits in a swimsuit and if I wait until I’m home the chlorine sitting on my dry skin gives me thrush (30 min drive) 🤢

Is it possible for you to take your towel into the shower area and then wear it into an individual changing room? I don’t know your set up.

fandangoclem · 22/01/2022 12:58

Yep..no lone woman has ever been attacked by a man

MrBlobbyLivesNextDoor · 22/01/2022 12:58

Globaluser I know. It's pretty grim. So many cases of male employees popping a camera into the women's changing areas and toilets. Or just popping in to assault them. The information is easy to search. And IKEA has them installed in the women's toilets as standard in the Peterborough branch. Although they say they haven't used them in a while. Phew. That's ok then. After all, men don't go to great lengths to access vulnerable women. Do they...

JigglyPiggly · 22/01/2022 12:59

@fandangoclem

Yep..no lone woman has ever been attacked by a man
You're being obtuse

Send me a link where a woman at the gym has been attacked by a male cleaner

MrBlobbyLivesNextDoor · 22/01/2022 13:01

Most normal people aren't scared or fearful of something with no known risk factors there

What you actually think the majority of normal women haven't experienced some level of sexual harassment or sexual assault from a male?

Or is it that you just can't see past your own narrow experience...

MrBlobbyLivesNextDoor · 22/01/2022 13:04

Send me a link where a woman at the gym has been attacked by a male cleaner

Is this a particular gym that you have in mind? Or any gym. Don't you think male predators can travel? Don't you think male predators are attracted to jobs where they can access vulnerable women and girls?

Swipe left for the next trending thread