Women in Construction Week

Women in Construction Week: Breaking Ground and Building Bridges

If you've spent any time in the construction industry, you know it's changing. More women are picking up hard hats, leading crews, and reshaping what we think of when we picture a construction professional. For the first week in March every year, we celebrate, recognize, and amplify these contributions through Women in Construction Week.

Women in Construction Week Video

What is Women in Construction Week?

Women in Construction Week is an annual celebration that spotlights women working across all areas of the construction industry—from the job site to the C-suite. It's not just about acknowledging the women who are already in the field; it's about opening doors wider for those who might be considering construction as a career path.

Started by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) back in 1998, this week has grown into a nationwide recognition of the vital role women play in building our infrastructure, homes, and commercial spaces. It's become a rallying point for companies, trade organizations, and educational institutions to showcase opportunities and challenge the outdated stereotypes that have kept women on the sidelines for far too long.

When is Women in Construction Week 2026?

Women in Construction Week 2026 is March 1-7. Women in Construction Week always takes place during the first full week of March. Companies can plan events, site visits, and activities during the week and also create a weekend opportunities for community engagement.

Why is Women in Construction Week Important?

Construction has historically been one of the most male-dominated industries out there. Women currently make up only about 11% of the construction workforce, and an even smaller percentage work in the skilled trades on site. That's not because women can't do the work—it's because the industry hasn't always made space for them.

This week matters because visibility matters. When young women don't see themselves represented in an industry, they're less likely to consider it as a viable career option. Women in Construction Week creates that visibility. It tells girls and women, "Yes, this path is for you too."

Beyond representation, there's a practical business case here. The construction industry is facing a massive skilled labor shortage. There is a gap of approximately 439,000 new workers needed in the industry. Given this, it is an ideal time for women to enter the construction industry. Staffing Trends also shows the benefits to women in construction.

Women bring different perspectives to problem-solving, project management, and team dynamics. Study after study shows that diverse teams make better decisions and produce stronger results. In an industry where safety, precision, and collaboration are paramount, that diverse perspectives aren’t just nice to have. It's essential.

What is the Purpose of Women in Construction Week?

The purpose goes deeper than just celebration, though that's certainly part of it. Women in Construction Week serves several key functions:

Recruitment and awareness. Many women simply don't know about the career opportunities in construction. This week puts those opportunities front and center, particularly targeting students and career-changers who might not have considered this path.

Recognition and retention. Women already working in construction deserve recognition for their contributions. Feeling valued and seen directly impacts retention rates and job satisfaction.

Education and advocacy. The week provides a platform to discuss the real barriers women face in construction, from inadequate PPE designed for women's bodies to workplace cultures that can feel unwelcoming. Naming these challenges is the first step toward solving them.

Community building. Women in construction often report feeling isolated, especially when they're the only woman on a crew or in their company. This week helps build networks and connections that provide support throughout the year.

Who Should Celebrate Women in Construction Week?

Short answer? Everyone in and around the construction industry.

Construction companies—from small residential contractors to massive commercial builders—should absolutely participate. This is a chance to showcase the women on your teams, review your hiring and retention practices, and demonstrate your commitment to building a more inclusive workforce.

Trade unions and apprenticeship programs can use this week to actively recruit women and examine whether their training programs are truly welcoming to everyone.

Educational institutions, especially high schools and vocational programs, can invite women construction professionals to speak with students and organize site visits that let young women see themselves in these roles.

Challenges for Women in Construction - The Numbers Tell the Story

While Women in Construction Week celebrates progress, it's crucial to acknowledge the very real obstacles that women still face in this industry. Understanding these challenges—backed by data—helps us move from awareness to action.

Representation remains stubbornly low. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), women make up just 11% of the total construction workforce. Even more striking, only 4% of workers in construction trades and extraction occupations are women, while women hold about 30% of office and administrative roles within construction companies.

Harassment and discrimination remain widespread. A 2022 study by the Center for Construction Research and Training found that 77% of women in construction reported experiencing workplace harassment. Additionally, According to the Chicago Women in Trades organization one in four women say they are always or frequently harassed on the job site. Additional research from the Center can be found here.

Attrition rates are concerning. According to an Institute for Women's Policy Research, 44.4% of tradeswomen have either left, or are seriously considering leaving the industry.

This isn't about women being unable to do the work—it's about workplaces that fail to support them.

Safety equipment doesn't fit. A study by Lumber found that 67% of women in construction reported that their personal protective equipment (PPE) did not fit properly. According to an IWPR survey only 19% of women said they had properly fitting PPE. A 2025 report from The Safety Rack found that 70% of women in the workforce lack access to properly fitting personal protective equipment (PPE), and 67% of respondents said the lack of properly fitting PPE hindered their ability to perform their jobs safely. Ill-fitting hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and harnesses aren't just uncomfortable—they're dangerous and contributes to higher injury rates among female workers.

Access to facilities is inadequate. According to the Institute for Women's Policy Research study, women in construction face significant work-parenting balance issues. Difficulties in finding childcare (69.3%) and a lack of pregnancy accommodations (63.4%) are the top reasons women seriously consider leaving their construction jobs.

These statistics aren't just numbers—they represent real barriers that real women face every single day on job sites across the country. Recognizing these challenges during Women in Construction Week means committing to addressing them during the other 51 weeks of the year.

Activities for Women in Construction Week

Wondering how to actually participate? Here are some meaningful ways to mark the week:

Use the Women in Construction Week Video and Discussion Guide

In partnership with NAWIC, the American General Constractors – Massachusetts Chapter and BOND Construction, Culture Coach International produced a video for Women in Construction Week 2026 along with a discussion guide. Using the video is free and it can be found here.

Host site tours. Invite local students, particularly girls, to visit active job sites. Let them see the work up close, try on hard hats, and talk with women professionals about their career paths.

Panel discussions and speaker events. Bring together women from different construction roles—tradespeople, project managers, engineers, business owners—to share their experiences and insights.

Social media campaigns. Spotlight the women on your team throughout the week. Share their stories, their career advice, and what they love about working in construction. Use hashtags like #WomenInConstruction and #WICW2026 to join the broader conversation.

Mentorship programs. Launch or highlight existing mentorship initiatives that pair experienced women professionals with those newer to the industry.

Policy review. Use this week as a catalyst to examine your company's policies. Do you have proper PPE that fits women? Are your parental leave policies equitable? Is your workplace culture inclusive?

Skills workshops. Offer hands-on workshops where women can try different trades and learn new skills in a supportive environment.

Scholarship announcements. If your organization offers scholarships or training support, Women in Construction Week is a perfect time to announce recipients and promote future opportunities.

Be Authentic for Women in Construction Week 2026

While Women in Construction Week is a chance to highlight the work done by the women in your company, this is not the only time this topic should get attention. In addition, if you are going to celebrate this week, make it authentic. Don't just post a generic "We celebrate women" message and call it a day. Talk to the women in your organization. Find out what would be meaningful to them, what barriers they face, and how your recognition can lead to real, lasting change. A commitment to creating a respectful workplace culture will help you to both attract and retain the top talent your are looking for – all year long.