Construction Dive

To capitalize on federal funding, the agency has called on the industry to invest in equitable hiring practices and supportive services.

The U.S. Department of Commerce is trying to bring more women into the construction workforce, with the help of some familiar names in the industry. Several construction companies signed the Million Women in Construction Community Pledge on Tuesday, following a round table discussion led by Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.

By signing the pledge, companies are committing to improve equitable hiring practices and invest in supportive services, such as child care. 

Through the Million Women in Construction initiative, Raimondo has set the ambitious goal of doubling the number of women in the industry in ten years. In April 2024, 14.3% of all construction workers were women, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That percentage has risen and fallen marginally over the last few years, but is largely unchanged from women’s 12% share in 2013. 

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