It may be a small percentage of the workforce, but the role of women in the building trades is important and Women in Construction Week helps those individuals earn their rightful place of honor from March 7 through March 13.

This national observance highlights women as a visible component of the industry. The week of recognition is a time to honor these women who defy stereotypes in the career world, pointing out the opportunities available to women who may not have considered the field in the past.

“As of Dec. 31, 2018, approximately 1,106,919 women were employed in various occupation sectors of the construction industry. Women now make up 9.9% of the construction industry in the United States,” according to https://www.nawic.org/nawic/Statistics.asp. Most of those were in sales or management, although many are also out at the job site, developing buildings through hard physical work.

While women do not traditionally choose a career in the building trades, Women in Construction Week brings awareness to the options available. This week can be recognized by creating discussions about those opportunities and sharing information with others who might be trying to identify a potential career. Sharing photos of women in construction on social media can also help bring awareness to the jobs that are out there for men as well as women.

It’s highly important that women never feel discouraged about pursuing a dream, but in this case they should be encouraged to dream openly and consider work in the industry, even if it is still dominated by men.