How Can We Better Support Women in Construction?

By ANGELA GARDNER

Women in construction are no longer asking to be invited in; they’re here.

They’re building homes, running crews, leading innovation and shaping the future of the skilled trades. However, despite all that progress, they’re still facing real, daily challenges that make it harder for them to thrive and stay in the industry long-term.

But the great news is this: It is all fixable.

From struggling to find the right gear to lacking mentorship, to feeling like the only woman onsite, it’s clear that while doors may be open, support systems still need some work.

So, how can we do better?

Start by Listening: The Questions We Kept Hearing

When we launched Women Talk Construction, it wasn’t born out of a grand business plan. It came from listening. We heard many stories that needed to be shared in a grander platform than we had at the time. Plus, co-founder Christi Powell and I are just two people, and so many women were eager to share their stories, seek help/advice or gain wisdom, but we knew we couldn’t spend all that time individually. We devised a plan and have gradually expanded it to meet the needs at each stage.

Women kept reaching out, apprentices, leaders, entrepreneurs, women wanting to enter construction, women who supported construction companies and tradeswomen alike, with questions that kept us up at night:

• “Where can I find a company that values me?”
• “Construction ownerships and business questions”
• “What do I wear on a jobsite that fits and keeps me safe?”
• “How do I grow my career in this industry?”
• “Is anyone else out there who’s felt what I’m going through?”
• “How do I transition or explore a career in the construction field?” 

Christi and I realized we weren’t alone, and neither were they. Women were hungry for connection, guidance and answers. That’s when we knew we had to build more than a platform to share stories. We had to build a community. We also needed to find a way to share more stories in creative ways.

Why Building Communities is Essential:

1. Stronger Workforce Retention and Recruitment

When women feel seen, supported and connected, they’re more likely to stay in the field.

A strong community:

• Reduces turnover by offering emotional and professional support
• Attracts new talent by showing that women belong and can thrive here
• Expands the labor pool at a time when the industry is desperately in need of skilled workers                                                                                                                                                                               

2. Better Innovation and Problem-Solving with Whole Team

Diverse teams are proven to:

• Solve problems faster and more creatively
• Avoid groupthink by bringing varied perspectives
• Reflect real-world needs more accurately in their designs and builds

When women are connected and confident, they bring their full voice to the table, and everyone benefits.

3.  Improved Jobsite Culture for All

A supportive community helps foster:

• Safer, more respectful jobsite environments
• Accountability and peer mentoring that discourages toxic behavior
• A culture where empathy and professionalism are valued industry-wide

This leads to healthier teams and better project outcomes.

4. Mentorship That Builds Future Leaders

When women support one another, they create a ripple effect of growth and leadership:

• Entry-level workers find guidance and encouragement
• Mid-career professionals gain tools to navigate advancement
• Seasoned pros leave a legacy by lifting others as they climb

The result? A multi-generational pipeline of skilled, confident professionals. Which we need desperately.

5. Elevated Industry Reputation

Companies and industries that invest in inclusivity and support:

• Build trust with clients, partners, and the public
• Attract top talent across all demographics
• Set themselves apart as forward-thinking and people-focused

A visible, thriving community of women in construction sends a clear message: we’re modern, capable and here to make an impact.

Here is the biggest reason we need to attract more women, and you have all heard it. The labor gap is currently expected to require nearly 440,000 new hires – and nearly half a million in 2026 – to keep projects on track and budgets stable. Industry leaders, employers, educators and policymakers must all step up now to build, not just structures, but solutions. The latest data from the Associated Builders and Contractors paints a clear and urgent picture.

One Specific Need for Women: Workwear – Because Fit Is Function

One of the most common (and overlooked) struggles women in construction face? PPE and workwear that just doesn’t fit.

Gear designed for men can be uncomfortable at best and dangerous at worst. Christi and I knew we needed to shine the light on so many fabulous people making an impact. We often celebrate others on social media, in blog posts on our website and showcase their stories in audio or video, among other ways. Thankfully, things are starting to change, and we’re proud to highlight brands that are finally designing for us:

• Truewerk Werkpants – Lightweight, breathable and built for performance
• Studson Helmets – High-impact protection with sleek, modern design
• SafeWaze – OSHA-approved harnesses built specifically for women
• Pyramex Vests & Gloves – Reliable safety gear designed with women in mind
• Covergalls – Trailblazing PPE created by women, for women, especially in mining and heavy trades
• Dovetail Workwear – Deep pockets, durable fabric and flexible fit
• Xena Workwear – Stylish, safety-certified boots that blend confidence and comfort

We advocate for this gear not just because it fits, but because when women feel prepared, protected and comfortable, they’re more confident, more capable and more likely to stay in the field.

Where We’re Headed – and Why It Matters

Since launching in March 2022, Women Talk Construction has reached more than 2,400 cities across 86 countries. We’ve watched women find jobs, speak up, gain confidence and step into leadership – simply because they finally felt seen and supported.

But we’re just getting started.

The future of construction depends on innovation and intention. Supporting women is about building a stronger, more inclusive industry.

Making a Difference

This isn’t just a professional group. It’s not just a resource hub. It’s a place where women (and allies) in the construction industry come together to connect, grow and lead. We’re just getting started, and we want you on this ride with us. Build something powerful and take the first step toward owning your journey.

Join the Women Talk Construction Membership today — a community that will cheer you on every step of the way.

We’ve built momentum. We’ve built trust. Now we’re building a community just for you.

Angela Gardner is vice president of workforce development at the AGC Carolinas Chapter and co-founder of Women Talk Construction.