Governor Proclaims Women in Construction Week

WHEREAS, the construction industry has been a driving force in fostering community development through renovation and beautification projects because of the promotion of skilled trade careers; and

WHEREAS, the work done by women in the construction industry throughout our nation and in North Carolina has contributed to the enhancement of our communities, improving infrastructure and economy; and

WHEREAS, women are continuing to break barriers within the construction industry, making strides in equal pay earning an estimated average 95.5 percent pay for full-time wage and salary work compared to their male counterparts versus other U.S. industries where women earn an average 82.9 percent, according to the 2022 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report; and

WHEREAS, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were more than 11,000 North Carolina women working in various capacities of the construction industry in 2022; and

WHEREAS, despite these improvements, gender segregation continues to be an issue for women in the construction industry; according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 1 million women were in the construction industry nationwide in 2021, comprising only 11 percent of the nation’s construction workforce; and

WHEREAS, according to the 2018 Status of Women in NC: Employment and Earnings Report, improving occupational segregation among women can be achieved through advocacy and the promotion of paid internships, training, apprenticeships, and recruitment of women in high-growth occupations such as construction; and

WHEREAS, employing women in the construction field can decrease the industry’s labor shortage while improving the outcomes of women as it relates to poverty and overall opportunities in male dominated fields; and

WHEREAS, the State Construction Office is joined by other organizations, such as the North Carolina chapters of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), who have distinguished themselves as a voice for women in construction throughout our state; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina and the North Carolina Department of Administration’s State Construction Office supports and commends women in this industry for their many ongoing contributions and impact to communities and people of the state;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim March 3 – 9, 2024, as “WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.