Where are the Women in the Trades?

I have just returned from a trade show where attendance was at least 99% men. The exhibitors were about 90% male. Among the valves, lubricants, and compressors, it was hard to find a female face. I had to ask myself, "Where are women in the trades?"

Certainly some occupations require more physical strength than many of us have. But it is more than that. Most trade jobs do not require more physical strength than most women have. Electricians, welders, and technicians of many, many kinds could just as easily be women as men. Yet, women are not moving into these fields, or even into fields which support them. I’m afraid it comes back to women’s resistance to enter occupations in which they don’t personally have experience.

Whether it’s in the office or in the field, women sacrifice opportunities just to stay in familiar territory. We, who are constantly wanting to learn and be challenged on the job, avoid fascinating careers we could easily learn to do. In the trades, as in the office, jobs which are traditionally held by men pay more than those traditionally held by women. It is time for us to pursue these opportunities, and to encourage our daughters and sisters to do so. Awareness is the first step. Small adjustments make a big difference.