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CII Celebrates International Women's Day
Honoring Women in Construction:
While the construction industry is often seen as traditionally male-dominated, women have played a crucial role throughout its history. From laying bricks to leading projects, their contributions have shaped the skylines and landscapes we see today.
Early Trailblazers:
Evidence suggests women have been involved in construction as far back as the 13th century. Historical records from Europe reveal women working as day laborers on various building projects. Despite societal limitations, they filled essential roles, carrying materials, digging foundations, and even contributing to skilled trades like masonry and carpentry, often learning from their family.
Breaking Barriers:
The 19th and 20th centuries saw individual women defying societal norms and carving their own paths in construction. Emily Roebling stands as a prominent example. After her husband fell ill in the 1870s, she took over the construction management of the Brooklyn Bridge, becoming a pioneer for women in engineering and construction leadership.
The 20th century also witnessed increased opportunities for women, particularly during World War II when men served overseas. Women filled the gap, taking on factory and construction jobs that were traditionally held by men. While many returned to domestic roles after the war, some remained, paving the way for future generations.
The Future:
Today, women continue to break barriers in the construction industry, holding various positions and contributing diverse perspectives to the field.
At the last CII Annual Conference in San Antonio, we highlighted the importance of “sponsorship” of women in construction through a presentation by NCCER and Ambition Theory. Check it out on CII’s YouTube: https://youtu.be/hezFgZza6qk?si=j6m5CUq7CEK0r8n7
Organizations like the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) are dedicated to supporting and empowering women in the industry: NAWIC.ORG.
Celebrating International Women’s Day and Women's History Month are opportunities to recognize the invaluable contributions of women in construction. Their dedication, resilience, and skill have helped build the world around us, and their legacy continues to inspire future generations to reach new heights in the industry.
While the construction industry is often seen as traditionally male-dominated, women have played a crucial role throughout its history. From laying bricks to leading projects, their contributions have shaped the skylines and landscapes we see today.
Early Trailblazers:
Evidence suggests women have been involved in construction as far back as the 13th century. Historical records from Europe reveal women working as day laborers on various building projects. Despite societal limitations, they filled essential roles, carrying materials, digging foundations, and even contributing to skilled trades like masonry and carpentry, often learning from their family.
Breaking Barriers:
The 19th and 20th centuries saw individual women defying societal norms and carving their own paths in construction. Emily Roebling stands as a prominent example. After her husband fell ill in the 1870s, she took over the construction management of the Brooklyn Bridge, becoming a pioneer for women in engineering and construction leadership.
The 20th century also witnessed increased opportunities for women, particularly during World War II when men served overseas. Women filled the gap, taking on factory and construction jobs that were traditionally held by men. While many returned to domestic roles after the war, some remained, paving the way for future generations.
The Future:
Today, women continue to break barriers in the construction industry, holding various positions and contributing diverse perspectives to the field.
At the last CII Annual Conference in San Antonio, we highlighted the importance of “sponsorship” of women in construction through a presentation by NCCER and Ambition Theory. Check it out on CII’s YouTube: https://youtu.be/hezFgZza6qk?si=j6m5CUq7CEK0r8n7
Organizations like the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) are dedicated to supporting and empowering women in the industry: NAWIC.ORG.
Celebrating International Women’s Day and Women's History Month are opportunities to recognize the invaluable contributions of women in construction. Their dedication, resilience, and skill have helped build the world around us, and their legacy continues to inspire future generations to reach new heights in the industry.
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