The month of March is dedicated to honoring women’s contributions to American history. Every year The National Women’s History Alliance selects and publishes a theme to highlight an aspect of women’s history to celebrate.
The 2024 theme for Women’s History Month is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” The National Women’s History Alliance says “The theme recognizes women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination from our lives and institutions.” By championing equity, diversity, and inclusion, women are contributing to creating a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential wide-ranging impact on our country.
Women in the skilled trades industry
The demand for skilled tradespeople is on the rise, and it is encouraging to see a growing number of women breaking down the gender-based barriers and stereotypes that have long been associated with the male-dominated skilled trades industry. These women are pursuing the necessary training and certification to enter the industry and are determined to achieve their goals, despite the many challenges they may face.
Their efforts have resulted in a 32.1% increase in tradeswomen over the last five years, which is a remarkable achievement. Despite these strides, women still represent less than 3% of the skilled trades industry. This underrepresentation highlights the need for continued efforts to support and encourage women to pursue careers in the skilled trades.
Women in the skilled trades industry face many challenges, including a lack of female role models and mentors, gender bias, and discrimination. The physical demands of the job may be daunting, but women are overcoming these challenges and proving that they have the skills, determination, and resilience to succeed in this industry.
It is essential to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women in the skilled trades, to encourage more women to pursue this career path, and to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce where EVERYONE has the opportunity to succeed.
How Project MFG closes the inequality gap in skilled trades
Here at Project MFG, we aim to close the skills gap in manufacturing by providing students with hands-on experience and learning opportunities from industry professionals. One of the organizations we have recently partnered with is Weld Like a Girl, a welding school based in Yuma, Arizona, which specializes in teaching women and girls the art of welding.
Weld Like A Girl is an empowerment project designed to boost self-esteem and whole-person wellness for girls and women through welding and creativity. It provides opportunities to explore and try things they never thought they could do. If you are interested in learning more, visit their website at weldlikeagirl.com.
Organizations like Weld Like a Girl are making great strides in reducing the gender gap in skilled trades. They are tackling the issue head-on by addressing the stigma attached to male-dominated trades and highlighting the numerous opportunities that women have in this field. Through their efforts, they are creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce in skilled trades.
By promoting gender diversity in skilled trades, organizations like Project MFG and Weld Like a Girl are helping to break down stereotypes and create a more inclusive culture. They are making it clear that women can succeed in any field they choose, and that gender should never be a barrier to pursuing one’s dreams.
Project MFG offers a range of resources and support for women who are interested in pursuing a career in skilled trades. Visit our website for more information on training and education programs, mentorship opportunities, and networking events.
