Each year on this day, March 8, International Women’s Day is celebrated across the globe. It is a day to recognize women’s achievements, raise awareness about women’s equality, and lobby for accelerated gender parity.
This year’s theme is #BreakTheBias, dedicated to honouring women, shining a light on their current social contributions, and celebrating the many important roles women have played throughout history.
International Women’s Day is also a call to action for the construction industry. BuildForce Canada estimated in 2020 that of the nearly 1.1 million tradespeople employed in the Canadian industry, women made up only 4.7 per cent.
With a looming shortage of skilled trades workers, it’s time to get past the stereotypes – particularly those in the skilled trades – and employ a more diverse workforce.
There’s much work to be done, on International Women’s Day and beyond.
Happy International Women’s Day.
