Celebrating Women in Construction Week By Championing Diverse Voices
More women are working in construction than ever recorded in the United States. Still, a recent survey uncovered that women and underrepresented groups leave construction at a higher rate. The industry now has an opportunity to take a data-driven approach to combat this challenge.
Uncovering Opportunities for Progress
During National Women in Construction Week (WIC Week), Procore will host a Foundations for Progress webinar to celebrate significant milestones in representation while uncovering the reasons behind the industry’s retention problem. The webinar, “The Data on Diversity and Women in Construction,” will premiere at 11:00 PT on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Registration is required, and a recording will be available on demand for those who cannot attend.
Webinar panelists will include Nathan C. Wood, executive director of the Construction Progress Coalition, Betsy Bagley, co-founder of Pulsely, and Yuhi Aizawa Combatti, director of diversity, equity & inclusion of the Associated General Contractors Association of California. Each brings a unique perspective to the conversation and offers solutions to embrace equity in the construction workforce.
Aligning with the Industry for Change
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) hosted the first WIC Week in 1998. In its 25th year, the NAWIC-sponsored initiative will celebrate women's different journeys toward the same goal of “strengthening and amplifying the success of women in the construction industry.”
Clearing a path for women and historically underrepresented groups to join construction is vital to solving some of the industry’s most significant challenges; however, ensuring fair career advancement opportunities is critical to retaining a diverse workforce.
Procore’s mission-driven social impact team works year-round to help the construction industry become a leader in workplace equality. Our Women in Construction program provides an active online community for women and allies, in-person and virtual events, and tailored resources to support advancement.
Embracing Equity
The March 8 webinar also appropriately falls on International Women’s Day, which this year encourages the world to #EmbraceEquity. “People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action,” organizers share.
According to a University of Maryland study, 53 percent of women who achieve leadership roles in construction have advanced degrees, compared to 31 percent of men. Additionally, women typically work for 56 percent more companies and hold 19 percent more job titles than their male counterparts. These disparities illustrate the additional steps women are often forced to take to advance their careers. How the industry addresses these types of inequities will define the future of construction.
At Procore, we believe that when employees feel included and believe their company is committed to their advancement, it can lead to more innovation, greater retention of top talent and better business results. While progress is still needed, we are encouraged to see the construction industry push toward transformation.
Women are often front and center in the campaign for industry advancement, but it will take the support and action of all leaders and allies to reshape the industry. Increase your understanding and be a part of the change by joining us tomorrow for our webinar, “The Data on Diversity and Women in Construction,” at 11:00 AM PST.
