Governor Proclaims Women in Construction Week 2023

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 terms of pay when compared to their male counterparts; while estimates suggest women in the U.S. earn on average 81.1 percent of men's earnings for full-time wage and salary workers, women in the construction industry earn an average of 99.1 percent when compared to men; and

WHEREAS, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 2,000 construction firms, with an average of 15,470 employees, were owned by women in North Carolina in 2019; and

WHEREAS, despite these improvements, gender segregation continues to be an issue confronting 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 U.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 North Carolina chapters of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) have distinguished themselves as a voice for women in construction throughout our state; and

WHEREAS, the state of North Carolina joins the North Carolina chapters of the NAWIC in celebrating Women in Construction Week, and commends women in construction for their many ongoing contributions to communities and people of the state;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim March 5 – 11, 2023, as “WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.