Women in Construction Week.
The resolution highlights that women make up a small percentage of the construction workforce, with only 7.2% in apprenticeships and 10.9% in construction trade jobs nationwide. ACR24 advocates for increasing the representation of women in these roles to at least 20% by 2029, proposing that both apprenticeship programs and the development of women-owned businesses are critical to achieving this goal. The resolution underscores the need for policies that create safer and more welcoming job sites for women while addressing barriers to their entry and retention in the industry.
Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 24 (ACR24), introduced by Ortega, proclaims the week of March 5, 2023, to March 11, 2023, as Women in Construction Week in California. This resolution aims to acknowledge and celebrate the significant contributions of women in the construction industry, promoting gender diversity within this traditionally male-dominated field. The resolution coincides with National Women's History Month, emphasizing the role of women in advancing both the construction profession and the economy.
The sentiment surrounding ACR24 appears positive, with bipartisan support seen in its passage through the legislature. The resolution reflects a growing recognition of the importance of diversity in the construction industry, with advocates arguing that having more women in construction roles can lead to improved performance and innovation. Supporters of the resolution see it as a necessary step toward closing the workforce skills gap and building a more inclusive economy in California.
While ACR24 primarily serves as a proclamation rather than enacting law, it does encapsulate underlying issues about the barriers women face in construction. There are concerns that systemic challenges remain in recruiting and retaining women in this field. The resolution calls for educational outreach to inspire young women to pursue careers in construction, thus addressing lingering gender disparities and promoting equitable employment opportunities.