Celebrating Women in Construction: Not All Construction Jobs Are With a Construction Company
With Women in Construction Week™ on the horizon, 84 Lumber and the construction sector prepare to honor the invaluable contributions and accomplishments of women who are molding its trajectory. From March 3-9, 2024, the nation will pay tribute to the commitment and proficiency of women in construction, emphasizing their essential role in reshaping the industry.
According to 84 Lumber, the theme for this year’s Women in Construction Week, ‘Keys to the Future,’ underscores the strength and knowledge that women bring to construction sites and offices across the nation. Organized by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), this annual event serves as a platform to highlight the remarkable strides made by women in a traditionally male-dominated field.
84 Lumber is one of the strongest advocates for women in the construction industry– it is also a certified national women’s business enterprise owned by Maggie Hardy. Hardy stepped into the role in 1992. Holding true to the core family values her father founded the company upon, Hardy grew the company over the years and today it is the nation’s largest privately held supplier of building materials, manufactured components, and industry-leading services for single- and multifamily residences and commercial buildings. A forward-thinking visionary, Hardy remains committed to carving out a path for women, like herself, seeking a career in construction.
Prior to 2016, women accounted for nine out of every 100 employees in the construction workforce. Since then, the female employment share has climbed nearly every year and sits at 11.1% as of 2022. While most women in construction (35 percent) work in administrative or office roles (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), there are opportunities throughout the industry and ample room for growth with companies like 84 Lumber.
