Celebrating NAHB Professional Women in Building Week: Breaking Barriers and Building the Future
During Professional Women in Building Week (Sept. 9th - 13th), let’s celebrate the incredible achievements of women in the construction industry and their vital contributions to our economy and society. Their relentless efforts to break down barriers, persevere, and innovate in a traditionally male-dominated field have transformed the industry and elevated the status and influence of professional women across all sectors. These trailblazers are reshaping the workplace, inspiring future generations, and paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future in construction.
Women remain underrepresented in the construction industry. Despite making up 49.8% of the working-age population in Massachusetts, women account for only 12.7% of the construction workforce. However, as the industry grows, women are increasingly stepping into various roles. No longer confined to office positions such as logistics or administration, many women are now working on construction sites. Yet, they continue to face significant challenges. Nearly 60% of female construction workers aged 28 to 40 report experiencing gender harassment. Inadequate childcare facilities, inconvenient public transportation, a lack of female restrooms on job sites, and ill-fitting personal protective equipment exacerbate their difficulties. Moreover, the persistent issue of unequal pay for equal work remains a significant reason why many women leave the industry. On average, women in construction earn 10% to 20% less than their male counterparts. Clearly, there is still much work to be done within the construction community to achieve true gender equality.
NAHB Women in the Construction Professional Week is a celebration of the important role women play in the residential construction industry. It highlights the remarkable achievements of women in all aspects of the industry and helps women gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed in a male-dominated field by providing resources, networking opportunities, and educational programs specifically designed to advance women in the industry. At SRGE, we are proud to be a part of this movement to promote a more inclusive and diverse construction industry. Our founder, JocCole "JC" Burton, is a shining example of what women can achieve in the industry. As CEO of Maven Construction, Inc. and the driving force behind the SRGE Construction Accelerator, JC has spent nearly three decades in the construction world, demonstrating her perseverance, innovation, and leadership. SRGE has made it its mission to support other women and minority-owned businesses in the construction field. Through SRGE, JC is helping to create opportunities for women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring that the industry is more reflective of the diverse communities it serves.
Looking ahead, as society's awareness of equality continues to grow and the construction industry faces a significant labor shortage, the role of women in construction is poised to expand further. Technological advancements are diminishing the physical strength advantage traditionally held by men in the industry, allowing experience, skill, and creativity—areas where women excel—to shine. This brightens the future for women in construction. More and more companies are recognizing the value of diversity and inclusion. SRGE remains committed to this mission. We believe that by supporting and celebrating the contributions of women in construction, we can not only build better structures but also create a better industry for everyone.
As we celebrate Professional Women in Building Week, let’s take a moment to honor the women who are both literally and figuratively building our future. From trailblazers like our very own JC Burton to the countless women on job sites and in offices across the country, their contributions are invaluable, and their impact is undeniable. Join SRGE, and together, let's create a brighter future for the construction community!
🔥 To all the women making a difference in construction—we see you, appreciate you and celebrate you!
👉 Join the 33% of women operated companies who are dedicated to scaling their business with SRGE today.