The 26th annual Women in Construction (WIC) Week is being held March 3-9, 2024. The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) held the first event in 1998. This year’s theme is “Keys to the Future,” which “celebrates the strength and knowledge of women and the vital role they play in shaping the future of the construction industry.”
According to Fixr.com, there are almost 1.3 million women in construction, making up 10.8% of the workforce. The number of women in construction only grew by 3,000 from 2022 to 2023; between 2021 and 2022, 43,000 women joined the industry. However, since 2012, there has been a 60.5% increase in women joining the construction industry. Washington, D.C., has the largest percentage, with 17.6% of its total construction workforce being made up of women.
“Women in Construction Week honors the strength and achievements of women in this industry traditionally dominated by men,” said Adam Graham, construction industry analyst at Fixr.com. “This commemoration isn’t just about breaking barriers, it’s about shaping a future where every woman feels empowered to pursue her dreams in construction and inspire the next generation of female leaders.”
WIC Week’s goal is to bring awareness to the opportunities available in the construction industry and shedding light on the barriers many women still face at work. NAWIC has events scheduled all week, including a diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) panel, workplace safety talks and more. There are also events held regionally.
Fixr.com recommends several tactics to encourage more women to enter the construction industry: education and awareness, targeted recruitment, having a supportive work environment, offering access to mentorship and role modeling opportunities, flexible work policies and more.
NAWIC encourages all construction workers to participate in the event and show their support.
“Contractors actively engaging in Women in Construction Week show their commitment to inclusivity,” Graham said. “Their involvement also helps address the labor shortage and attracts top talent by promoting a diverse and supportive workplace.”
About The Author
Holly Sauer
Senior Associate EditorHolly Sauer has worked for Electrical Contractor magazine since 2019 and is the senior associate editor. She went to Washington & Jefferson College and studied English and art history. At Electrical Contractor magazine, she creates the newsletters and the new and featured products sections. She also edits articles for the three publications and occasionally writes on tools and industry news. She is fueled by the desire to read every book ever written. And coffee. Reach her on LinkedIn or at [email protected].
