The Ezurum Gondoliers

A guild of women in the city of Ezurum handling virtually all canal transport, a major means of commercial and personal transportation in the city by flat-bottomed rowing boats, propelled by a single oarsman. 
They are known for their large weather hoods, a special hat suited for rowing in bad weather. and famed for their strength and speed, blunt manner and coarse language. 
They can be either married or unmarried, and they inherit their boats from mother to daughter, or buy them from retired colleagues. Although they allow individuals to ferry themselves around, they have recently achieved monopoly on monetizing canal services. The gondola has existed in Ezurum since 11th century and today there is estimated to be over a four hundred gondolas in the city and in service everyday.