July 1, 2024
During World War II, women played crucial roles in various trades traditionally dominated by men. With men enlisted and serving in the military, women stepped into jobs previously considered unsuitable or unavailable to them. This shift was driven by the urgent need to maintain production and infrastructure to support the war effort. The iconic "Rosie the Riveter" campaign symbolized and encouraged women's participation in industrial work.
However, after the war, societal pressure mounted for women to revert to more traditional roles as men returned to reclaim their jobs. Despite having proven their capabilities, women faced discrimination and were edged out of skilled trades by employers favoring male workers. Cultural norms reinforced the idea that certain jobs were exclusively for men, limiting women's career choices.
Despite the decline in women's participation after the war, their contributions demonstrated their capability in traditionally male-dominated fields, laying the groundwork for future generations of women entering non-traditional careers.
According to data from the Women’s Institute of Policy Research, the number of women in trades surged from 240,930 to 353,954 between 2017 and 2022, marking a 47% increase. There are for several reasons for this marked shift:
Trade schools offer hands-on training and practical skills directly relevant to industries such as construction, healthcare, and automotive, appealing to women seeking quicker entry into the workforce.
Many trade industries face high demand for skilled workers due to retirements and sector growth, ensuring graduates often find jobs readily available after completing their programs.
Trade schools typically have lower tuition costs and shorter program durations than four-year colleges, making them financially accessible and attractive for women concerned about student debt or eager to start earning sooner.
Some trade careers offer flexible schedules and opportunities for self-employment, accommodating women seeking work-life balance or the ability to manage family responsibilities.
Nevada's leading industries: tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and mining create a high demand for skilled trades in our state, compounding the need to empower women to pursue diverse career paths. It would be a disservice to future generations if we do not foster conversation and offer support that will allow women to envision and achieve professional success in ANY industry. s more women enter traditionally male-dominated fields, they serve as role models, paving the way for others to explore non-traditional paths and defy gender stereotypes. I've begun following two influential female TikTok creators with millions of followers who are not only normalizing but celebrating opportunities for women in the trades:
Our local leaders in Nevada's trades are also working to expand awareness and find unique ways to recruit and support women in the industry. I recently had round table discussions with Tom Metcalf , Founder & Chairman of Metcalf Builders, Inc. , Glen A. Martel , CEO of Nevada Builders and Craig Madole , CEO of The Association of General Contractors and was struck by their progressive approach and recognition of the valuable skill sets women contribute to the trade sectors. However, they underscored that these efforts alone are insufficient to counteract the societal pressures that steer women towards traditional roles.
At Nevada Women's Fund, we are passionately committed to advancing women's opportunities across all industries. Through our Corporate Scholarship Program, we provide crucial financial support for women pursuing education in diverse sectors. Additionally, we serve as a vital resource for employers and educators, promoting the value of trade certificates and vocational schools as prestigious pathways to success, equivalent to advanced degree programs, backed by robust data.
Joining us in this conversation empowers you to be a strong advocate, highlighting the value and impact of women in these crucial roles and the value of their contributions to our state's workforce and economy.
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