Building a Million Women in Construction: A Pledge for Change
In a significant move aimed at boosting the representation of women in the construction trades, the U.S. Department of Commerce recently launched the Million Women in Construction Community Pledge. It is part of the original Million Women in Construction initiative, announced in October of 2022 by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. This latest call to action, aimed at the construction industry, comes at a crucial time when federal investments are creating a construction boom, resulting in a surge of job opportunities.
Yet, the stark reality remains: women account for less than 11% of the workforce in construction, and an even more dismal 4% in the trades. Studies show companies with gender diversity increasingly outperform those that do not have a diverse workforce. In fact, a 2024 study by McKinsey & Company found that companies who had the best rates of gender diversity on executive teams were 21% more likely to experience above-average profitability compared to those in the bottom quartile. In construction specifically, diverse teams bring varied perspectives and problem-solving approaches, leading to more innovative solutions and improved project outcomes.
With the Million Women in Construction Community Pledge, Secretary Raimondo has set an ambitious goal to double the number of women in the construction trades to approximately two million over the next decade, calling on contractors, labor unions, and trade organizations to take bold actions.
A collective call to action
The Million Women in Construction initiative is a nationwide rallying cry for the construction industry. It urges stakeholders—from contractors to training institutions—to commit to tangible steps that will foster a more diverse and robust workforce. The pledge highlights the need for a comprehensive strategy to recruit, train, hire, and retain the next generation of skilled craft workers who are vital for rebuilding U.S. infrastructure and complementing the government’s investment efforts.
So far, more than a dozen of the nation’s largest construction firms, including Baker Construction, Gilbane Building Co., McKissack & McKissack, Mortenson, Power Design, Suffolk, Skanska USA Building and Shawmut Design and Construction, have signed on to this pledge. Their participation marks a pivotal moment in recognizing the urgent need for change within the industry.
It also demonstrates the interconnectivity between the bold changes needed to bring more women in the construction trades, and NAWIC.
NAWICS membership, including our top national leaders, are employed by and even founded many of the companies who have signed the Million Women in Construction Community Pledge.
Pledge brings clarity and urgency to signatories and NAWIC leadership
Kelly Aust, national president of NAWIC, is a project manager at Skanska.
Aust shared that, “Taking the pledge aligned perfectly with our (Skanska’s) core values. It reinforces our dedication to creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce, not just for our company but for the entire construction sector.”
This sentiment captures the essence of the pledge—creating a supportive environment for women in an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated. “We’re actively working to make construction a viable and attractive career option for women,” said Aust. “This pledge is about shaping the future of construction to be more inclusive and innovative, which ultimately benefits everyone.”
Which, of course, is exactly what NAWIC works towards every day.
The pledge also brings an unexpected benefit—a renewed sense of urgency and clarity. “While we were already dedicated to supporting women in the construction trades, this initiative has helped us formalize those efforts and identify specific areas for improvement,” Aust explained. By solidifying their commitment, companies can now measure progress and take actionable steps toward creating a more equitable industry.
Breaking down barriers for younger women in the construction trades
The pledge is more than just a symbolic gesture. It sets up concrete ways to break down the barriers that have long hindered women’s progress in construction. “For me personally, this commitment represents a concrete step toward ensuring that the next generation of women can thrive in a more supportive environment,” Aust said. “It’s vital for making construction a viable and attractive career option for women.”
A vision realized
Reflecting on her own career, Aust noted the lack of formal initiatives when she started. “If a commitment like this had been in place, it would have accelerated my own career path,” she said. The Million Women in Construction initiative aims to provide those visible opportunities for mentorship, training, and career development that she wishes had existed earlier.
The Million Women in Construction Community Pledge is more than just a commitment; it is a catalyst for change in the construction industry. It is exactly what NAWIC’s members have been fighting for in the decades since we were founded.
As more companies join this initiative, the collective effort will pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive workforce, transforming the landscape of construction for generations to come. With ongoing support and investment, the dream of building a robust pipeline of women in the construction trades can finally become a reality.
NAWIC provides support, networking and mentorship, leadership training and educational opportunities for more than 5,500 members in 120 chapters across the U.S. Want to know more? Contact a chapter near you.
