The Tug of War: Women in Trades and the Impact of DEI Rollbacks
March 28, 2025, 11:54 am
Location: United States, District of Columbia, Washington
Employees: 10001+
Founded date: 1913
In the world of skilled trades, women are often seen as rare gems in a sea of men. They are the carpenters, welders, and electricians who break stereotypes and build futures. Yet, the landscape is fraught with challenges. Recent executive orders from the Trump administration threaten to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, casting a shadow over the progress made in this male-dominated field.
The skilled trades are a paradox. They offer high salaries and benefits, especially for those without college degrees. Yet, they are also some of the least diverse workplaces in America. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, women made up only 4.3% of the workforce in construction and extraction occupations in 2023. This statistic is a stark reminder of the uphill battle women face in these industries.
Kina McAfee, a veteran in the trades, has witnessed the struggles firsthand. For 40 years, she has seen discrimination and harassment persist. Many women in trades find themselves isolated, often being the only female on a job site. A 2021 study revealed that nearly half of women in trades felt they were held to different standards than their male counterparts. The findings are alarming: over a quarter reported frequent harassment, and 44.4% considered leaving the industry due to discrimination.
The recent DEI rollbacks are like a storm cloud on the horizon. McAfee and other leaders fear that these changes will embolden those who discriminate. The Trump administration’s executive orders aim to dismantle DEI initiatives, which have been crucial in fostering a more inclusive environment. The first order, titled “Ending Radical And Wasteful DEI Programs and Preferencing,” rescinded policies that encouraged diversity among federal contractors. The second order, “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” rolled back decades of progress aimed at curbing discrimination.
The implications are profound. Without DEI policies, the progress made in recent years could evaporate. Meg Vasey, a former electrician, warns that the absence of these initiatives could lead to increased violence and harassment on job sites. The data from the past suggests a troubling trend: when DEI efforts were diminished, incidents of harassment surged.
Nonprofits like Chicago Women in Trades are fighting back. They argue that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords; they are essential for progress. The organization has filed a lawsuit against the administration, claiming that the executive orders are vague and unconstitutional. Their message is clear: “Diversity is not illegal. Equity is not illegal. Inclusion is not illegal.” These principles are foundational to the American ethos.
The economic landscape is also shifting. Trump’s auto tariffs complicate the Federal Reserve's deliberations on interest rates. As tariffs push prices higher, the Fed faces a dilemma. Should they raise rates to combat inflation, or lower them to stimulate a slowing economy? The uncertainty is palpable. Traders are betting on rate cuts, but the Fed remains cautious, waiting for clearer signals from the economy.
Inflation data and job reports loom large on the horizon. Policymakers are in a holding pattern, unsure of how to navigate the conflicting impacts of tariffs and economic indicators. The stakes are high. A misstep could lead to economic turmoil, affecting not just the trades but the entire nation.
Women in trades are caught in the crossfire. They seek stability and respect in their workplaces, but the rollback of DEI policies threatens to undermine their hard-won gains. Many women endure harassment and discrimination to secure economic stability. They often feel they must choose between their dignity and their paycheck.
Kelly McClellen, an operating engineer, reflects on her journey. She found her way into construction despite a lack of guidance. Her story is not unique. Many women are unaware of the opportunities available to them in skilled trades. The message about these careers is not reaching young girls, leaving them in the dark about their potential.
The culture in the trades can be unforgiving. Women often face barriers beyond harassment. They may be overlooked for overtime or assigned menial tasks, reinforcing the notion that they are less qualified. This perception is a barrier to progress. Women must often prove themselves more than their male counterparts to gain recognition.
The fight for equality in the trades is far from over. Organizations like Chicago Women in Trades are essential in this battle. They provide training, resources, and support to women entering the field. Their work is vital in changing perceptions and creating a more inclusive environment.
As the landscape shifts, the resilience of women in trades shines through. They are not just fighting for themselves; they are paving the way for future generations. The struggle for diversity, equity, and inclusion is ongoing. The stakes are high, but the determination of these women is unwavering.
In conclusion, the rollback of DEI policies poses a significant threat to women in skilled trades. The fight for equality is a marathon, not a sprint. As the winds of change blow, the voices of women in trades must be heard. They are not just workers; they are trailblazers, challenging the status quo and building a more inclusive future. The journey is long, but with every step, they are forging a path for others to follow.
The skilled trades are a paradox. They offer high salaries and benefits, especially for those without college degrees. Yet, they are also some of the least diverse workplaces in America. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, women made up only 4.3% of the workforce in construction and extraction occupations in 2023. This statistic is a stark reminder of the uphill battle women face in these industries.
Kina McAfee, a veteran in the trades, has witnessed the struggles firsthand. For 40 years, she has seen discrimination and harassment persist. Many women in trades find themselves isolated, often being the only female on a job site. A 2021 study revealed that nearly half of women in trades felt they were held to different standards than their male counterparts. The findings are alarming: over a quarter reported frequent harassment, and 44.4% considered leaving the industry due to discrimination.
The recent DEI rollbacks are like a storm cloud on the horizon. McAfee and other leaders fear that these changes will embolden those who discriminate. The Trump administration’s executive orders aim to dismantle DEI initiatives, which have been crucial in fostering a more inclusive environment. The first order, titled “Ending Radical And Wasteful DEI Programs and Preferencing,” rescinded policies that encouraged diversity among federal contractors. The second order, “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” rolled back decades of progress aimed at curbing discrimination.
The implications are profound. Without DEI policies, the progress made in recent years could evaporate. Meg Vasey, a former electrician, warns that the absence of these initiatives could lead to increased violence and harassment on job sites. The data from the past suggests a troubling trend: when DEI efforts were diminished, incidents of harassment surged.
Nonprofits like Chicago Women in Trades are fighting back. They argue that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords; they are essential for progress. The organization has filed a lawsuit against the administration, claiming that the executive orders are vague and unconstitutional. Their message is clear: “Diversity is not illegal. Equity is not illegal. Inclusion is not illegal.” These principles are foundational to the American ethos.
The economic landscape is also shifting. Trump’s auto tariffs complicate the Federal Reserve's deliberations on interest rates. As tariffs push prices higher, the Fed faces a dilemma. Should they raise rates to combat inflation, or lower them to stimulate a slowing economy? The uncertainty is palpable. Traders are betting on rate cuts, but the Fed remains cautious, waiting for clearer signals from the economy.
Inflation data and job reports loom large on the horizon. Policymakers are in a holding pattern, unsure of how to navigate the conflicting impacts of tariffs and economic indicators. The stakes are high. A misstep could lead to economic turmoil, affecting not just the trades but the entire nation.
Women in trades are caught in the crossfire. They seek stability and respect in their workplaces, but the rollback of DEI policies threatens to undermine their hard-won gains. Many women endure harassment and discrimination to secure economic stability. They often feel they must choose between their dignity and their paycheck.
Kelly McClellen, an operating engineer, reflects on her journey. She found her way into construction despite a lack of guidance. Her story is not unique. Many women are unaware of the opportunities available to them in skilled trades. The message about these careers is not reaching young girls, leaving them in the dark about their potential.
The culture in the trades can be unforgiving. Women often face barriers beyond harassment. They may be overlooked for overtime or assigned menial tasks, reinforcing the notion that they are less qualified. This perception is a barrier to progress. Women must often prove themselves more than their male counterparts to gain recognition.
The fight for equality in the trades is far from over. Organizations like Chicago Women in Trades are essential in this battle. They provide training, resources, and support to women entering the field. Their work is vital in changing perceptions and creating a more inclusive environment.
As the landscape shifts, the resilience of women in trades shines through. They are not just fighting for themselves; they are paving the way for future generations. The struggle for diversity, equity, and inclusion is ongoing. The stakes are high, but the determination of these women is unwavering.
In conclusion, the rollback of DEI policies poses a significant threat to women in skilled trades. The fight for equality is a marathon, not a sprint. As the winds of change blow, the voices of women in trades must be heard. They are not just workers; they are trailblazers, challenging the status quo and building a more inclusive future. The journey is long, but with every step, they are forging a path for others to follow.