Opinion: Together We Rise. Celebrating Women in Construction.

EmpowHER WI is celebrating Women in Construction Week by uplifting tradeswomen and advocating for ongoing change.

Marking “Women in Construction Week,” March 2–8, 2025, we have a unique opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the contributions of women in the construction industry. The 2025 theme “Together We Rise” highlights the collective effort required to grow our industry.

In 2001, I started as an apprentice cement mason with the Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons International Association (OPCMIA) Local 599 in Milwaukee. Over the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges and victories women navigate in our industry. From becoming an Apprenticeship and Training Coordinator in 2011 to now serving as a Business Manager of my union, my path has been shaped by resilience, mentorship, and a passion for the craft. 

The Evolution of Women in Construction

Construction is an overwhelmingly male-dominated profession. However, the landscape is changing. In Wisconsin in 2024, participation of women as a percentage of new construction apprentices was higher than it has been in the past 20 years, with women making up more than 4%. This upward trajectory signifies progress, yet underscores the absolute necessity of encouraging more women to see a career for themselves in the trades. Despite the highly competitive salaries and job security in the construction industry, women continue to face multiple barriers, including:

• Work Environment: Women are underrepresented on job sites, leading to feelings of isolation.
• Low Visibility: With fewer women in leadership and skilled trade roles, aspiring journeyworkers have fewer examples to follow.
• Lack of Supportive Policies and Child Care: Maternity leave policies and work-life structures are often not designed with women in mind. Often serving as lead caregivers, women have difficulty finding childcare that aligns with early morning or late evening work.

EmpowHER WI Is Leading the Charge

In Wisconsin, EmpowHER is leading the movement dedicated to empowering tradeswomen. Our mission is threefold:

1. Visibility: Normalizing the presence of women on job sites and in leadership roles.
2. Support and Retention: Providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and resources to ensure women enter and thrive in the industry.
3. Recruitment: Actively encouraging women to pursue union construction careers across all levels.

Our vision is to create a positive change for women in construction by promoting leadership through training, fostering solidarity, and exemplifying successful tradeswomen. And we are making tangible progress on many fronts.

Our partnership with TradesFutures and the Milwaukee Building & Construction Trades Council led to the creation of Building Blocks, an innovative childcare pilot program that has made real change in workers’ lives. The program provides crucial financial assistance to trades workers with young children, helping them overcome one of the biggest obstacles to staying in the field – the challenge of securing affordable, early-morning childcare that accommodates construction schedules. 

Through EmpowHER’s mentoring initiatives, we pair experienced tradeswomen with newcomers to the industry, creating a supportive network that helps women navigate the unique challenges of working in a male-dominated field. These mentors provide invaluable guidance on everything from workplace dynamics to personal protective equipment designed for women. 

Celebrating Women in Construction Week

The construction industry is undergoing a transformative period, and women will play a vital role in shaping its future. Through organizations like EmpowHER and the collective efforts of our community, we are breaking down barriers and building a more inclusive future. 

Let us use Women in Construction Week as a catalyst for ongoing change, ensuring that the contributions of women are recognized, valued, and celebrated—not just this week, but every day and on every project.

For more information about EmpowHER WI and our initiatives, please visit empowherwi.org.