Commerce Department launches Million Women in Construction Community Pledge

The U.S. Department of Commerce launched its Million Women in Construction Community Pledge this month to boost the ranks of women in construction companies. Federal investments are creating a construction boom that is increasing job opportunities for construction and trade workers, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said. Women make up less than 11% of jobs in construction and only 4% in the trades, she said.

Raimondo has set an ambitious goal of doubling the number of women in construction in 10 years. She called for contractors, labor unions and trade organizations to join the pledge.

Seven of the nation's largest construction firms have signed on to the pledge to date. The signees are: Baker Construction, Gilbane Building Co., McKissack & McKissack, Mortenson, Power Design, Suffolk, and Shawmut Design and Construction.

Here is the full press release from the U.S. Department of Commerce:

In May, Secretary Raimondo announced the Million Women in Construction Community Pledge with an initial seven signatories pledging their support of the initiative and a commitment to supporting women in construction.

Signatories:

• Baker Construction
• Gilbane Building Company
• McKissack & McKissack
• Mortenson
• Power Design
• Shawmut Design and Construction
• Suffolk

Million Women in Construction Community Pledge

Once in a Generation Opportunity
The Million Women in Construction initiative is a nationwide call to action for the construction industry – construction contractors, trade unions, and training institutions – to commit to bold steps that will ensure a robust and diverse workforce in the years ahead. It will be necessary to recruit, train, hire, and retain thousands of new and non-traditional workers – the next generation of skilled craft workers and leaders who are prepared to rebuild U.S. infrastructure and supply chains and complement Federal government investments.

Building on Industry Momentum
Already, industry leaders and building trades unions are utilizing best practices such as investing in leadership training, apprenticeship readiness programs, child care support, community partnerships, and other strategies. Through the Million Women in Construction initiative, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo has set an ambitious goal of doubling the number of women in construction in ten years. We’re encouraging leaders to join this effort as they broaden the pipeline to good jobs building our nation’s roads and bridges, healthcare and educational facilities, broadband capacity, manufacturing plants, and energy efficiency.

Million Women in Construction Community Pledge
We’re calling on the construction industry to pledge to support the Million Women in Construction Initiative by committing to invest in solutions and support proven strategies to help overcome barriers faced by women and underserved communities.  By signing on to the Million Women in Construction Community Pledge, companies, unions, and training organizations are demonstrating an ongoing commitment to increase women’s participation in the industry. Building on the five pillars of the CHIPS Women in Construction Framework, construction companies, unions, and training organizations can join the initiative by pledging to focus on or scale up equitable hiring and workforce development efforts to diversify the construction industry.  This nationwide call to action encourages companies that take the pledge to take tangible actions, including measuring progress, building training partnerships, investing in training pathways, investing in supportive services such as child care, and ensuring safe, healthy, and respectful workplaces.

For questions or to pledge email WomenInConstruction@doc.gov.