A message from the president of the Canadian Association of Women in Construction
By Lisa Laronde, CAWIC and RSG International
A great deal has changed since 2005, when the Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC) was formed. We have witnessed the emergence of a new digital economy, an enhanced focus on health, safety and mental wellness, and an increased demand for skilled workers. The one thing that has not changed is our association’s commitment to support women across the industry.
Based on feedback CAWIC collected from those involved in the association in late 2023, we know that women in the construction industry are looking to be part of a community; they want to network, bond, share and grow with fellow women.
This year, CAWIC and the entire construction industry can and will build a stronger community for women working in the construction field. For CAWIC, we will focus our efforts on supporting women and helping them advance their careers by providing professional development, networking and mentorship from coast to coast. With a new two-year strategic plan in place, CAWIC is firmly and rapidly expanding on our foundation and our focus to better support women including racialized women, those living with disabilities and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
As many have heard me say, if the construction industry does not continue to make progress to attract, support and retain women, the industry will not thrive, let alone survive. We as a collective need to hold companies, individuals and organizations accountable to ensure women are getting the opportunities they not only deserve but have earned.
Women are a growing and essential segment in the construction industry. As many have heard me say, if the construction industry does not continue to make progress to attract, support and retain women, the industry will not thrive, let alone survive. We as a collective need to hold companies, individuals and organizations accountable to ensure women are getting the opportunities they not only deserve but have earned.
Our industry is facing extensive demand as we try to ensure we have a workforce available to meet the needs of today and tomorrow. With the realities of an aging population, looming retirements on the horizon and a growing competitive job market, now more than ever we need to attract and retain women in the construction industry. However, we can only draw and retain women on our teams and in our leadership roles when our companies provide the right culture and environment that is supportive for women.
A vital part of this is ensuring that organizations offer opportunities for their teams to continually learn. This opportunity to learn cannot be achieved in isolation. Having a network to rely on and share lived experiences is crucial. For women in construction, CAWIC is further developing that community to learn, live and grow in.
Each day across the industry, we see the immense pride that women in construction have for their job, their organizations and the role they play in building and strengthening our country. We must continue to harness that pride and the opportunities that exist to attract the next generation of women to our sector.
While there are still enormous challenges and barriers that must be solved, including childcare, pay equity, title equity, PPE availability and fit, and discrimination and harassment in the workplaces, we are seeing true progress. With our united voices, persistent actions, ongoing outreach and partnerships with allied construction organizations, we will cultivate a supportive community for women to work and thrive. Through this focus and action, we will bring about lasting and meaningful change.
Lisa Laronde is president of RSG International, a global leader in road safety infrastructure, and a powerful advocate for women in leadership. She is also president of the Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC). In fall 2023, she was recognized as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women by WXN (Women’s Executive Network).