Breaking Barriers - One Site at a Time

Women in construction is a hot topic these days.  Articles have popped up in several publications over the last few weeks, all pointing to women gaining acceptance on crews in the construction industry. This, of course, is something that I'm overjoyed to see as a woman who has been working in or around the construction industry for over 30 years.  Acknowledgment of the progress is key to keeping the forward momentum.  However, the shine is dulled by an underlying tone some articles have that makes light of the real contributions that women could make in the industry. It leaves me wondering what it will take or how long it will take for contractors to recognize that putting women in your workforce would elevate your team and not be a detriment.  Women are capable of contributing at the same production level that men have and do.

Last year when building out the CitySwing location on New York Ave, I was overjoyed to see the number of women filling key roles in the site’s development. But it wasn't just the architect, leasing agent, and project manager that were women.  The drywall contractor had a woman on their installation team.  Her work was above par (golf pun intended), and she kept pace with her colleagues.  I’ve seen other women on demo, abatement, and painting crews.  All were holding their own.   

Construction Dive reported today on the EEOC win against a construction-focused staffing agency that discriminated against hiring women.  This will bring more scrutiny to the construction industry as a whole and their hiring practices.  As contractors consider this news, I hope they adjust their outlook on the female workforce, not because of being forced to fill a quota but because they’re able to see the value women can bring to their team.