“Can you bring down the systemic barriers in construction?” Barriers affecting women in trades initiatives in Canada

In response to women’s persistent underrepresentation in Canada’s skilled construction trades, recent years have seen the introduction of roles, programs, and organizations tasked with advancing gender equity in this realm. However, while research has focused on if, how, and to what extent women in trades (WIT) initiatives foster improved outcomes for tradeswomen, there is limited understanding of the barriers experienced by WIT initiatives themselves. Drawing on 48 interviews with WIT initiatives, employers, and other sector stakeholders across Canada, this report shares findings from an exploratory study shedding light on the barriers impeding WIT initiatives from fulfilling their mandates.

Credit: Chloe Halpenny, Sheila Currie, Basia Pakula

Date: 2022