4 ways to celebrate Women in Construction Week

Women in Construction Week 2023 runs March 5-11!

It takes place during the first full week in March and aligns with Women’s History Month. The history of WIC Week dates back to the founding of National Association of Women in Construction. In 1953, a group of 16 women started it with a goal to support the few women in this male-dominated industry.

Since then, the association and the state of women in construction have come a long way. Women in Construction Week isn’t just a week. It’s a movement that you can support year-round.

Check out these four ways you can celebrate women working in construction.

1. Revisit your hiring practices

It’s a good idea to consistently revisit your construction hiring practices. Ask yourself if your hiring practices encourage women applicants? Are you including women when you seek out the best applicants? Is your company involved with local chapters of the National Association of Women in Construction?

Whitney Hill, co-founder of SnapADU, is part of a local chapter of the Women in Construction Coalition. She says it’s a great place to find talent for her company. Consider joining a local group to meet other women in the trades and foster this career path.

If you want to get into the industry, Heather Tankersley, co-founder of Tankersley Construction, says finding a mentor is invaluable.

“Having somebody else support you and be your cheerleader from a female management role is key,” Heather said. “Find a team that will foster you wanting to grow and get where you want to be, whether that’s in the trades or in managing work.”

Another way to support women? If you’re in a position to mentor someone, take the time to do it. It can help other women know that they belong in the industry.

2. Highlight female construction workers

Looking for an idea for construction business owners? Celebrate Women in Construction Week by highlighting the women in your company. On your website, you can add your team members’ profiles on an Our Team tab. Once you’ve created profiles for the women in your company, share them with an external publication to get even more exposure.

Consider posting about their background in construction on your social channels. You can also encourage female construction workers to share their experiences on social media. What do they love about working in the construction industry? Make sure they use the hashtag #WomeninConstructionWeek. You never know who will be inspired by your posts. Seeing women in these roles could inspire young girls to pursue a career in the construction industry.

3. Listen to women-led podcasts

How can you learn more about the topic of women in the trades? Hear stories, interviews and insights straight from the female leaders who are making an impact in construction. These podcasts give them a voice, and supporting them with a listen or share can go a long way.

Here are a few women-led construction podcasts to check out:

• The Constructrr – This podcast highlights companies that foster empowerment and inclusivity in the construction industry. Listen to the interviews with podcast host Brittanie Campbell-Turner, who is a construction project manager.
• Remodel Your Life – With 25 years of carpentry experience, Camille Finan brings her insights into the world of construction and design. This podcast is a must-listen for women working in the skilled trades and those breaking down barriers in non-traditional careers.
• Design Voice Podcast – Architect Catherine Meng uses her podcast to amplify the voices of women in the engineering, architecture and construction professions. Give it a listen for great interviews and honest conversations.

4. Volunteer at local schools

Visit a school in your area to talk about the opportunities for women who work in construction. Show the students that not all construction career pathways require you to be on the job site every day. Tell them about the variety of construction jobs like project managers, business owners or other leadership roles in the business. Encourage the need for a more diverse workforce and how it can make a company stronger.

You can also give students a tour of your company building or a job site. Get them interested by making it interactive, and have them speak to the women on your construction team. Want to take it a step further? Host a workshop to teach practical industry skills to young women. Speak about your experience in construction and offer a space for networking opportunities. Any time you can connect with the community is a win.

To learn more about women in construction, check out our blog, “How women in construction are breaking barriers.”

About The Author

Lizzie Long Lizzie Long is a Content Specialist at Buildertrend.