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Fighting Back Against Federal Attacks on Gender Equity

Chicago Women in Trades has seen rapid changes in our work as the Trump Administration has settled into office. We know there are a lot of worries. We have information about these attacks and ways you can take action.

The threats are alarming, but CWIT and our community of tradeswomen have a long history of taking care of each other and fighting back in challenging moments.

Did you know?

  • In a recent national survey of tradeswomen, more than 4 in 10 respondents considered leaving the industry, with discrimination being the most cited reason.  
  • In 2023, there were fewer than 5% of women nationally in construction trade apprenticeships.

Our work together is more important now than ever

What’s at risk?

  • As the new Administration attacks equity, including crucial policies mandating anti-discrimination and affirmative action on government-funded federal construction projects, CWIT’s grassroots work around racial equity, gender justice, and workplace safety within the trades is at high risk of being curtailed.  
  • These setbacks will create substantial barriers to workplace placement and hiring, creating serious challenges for our tradeswomen to find employment opportunities.  
  • A rollback of worker protection policies will worsen harassment and discrimination, creating unsafe work environments for all tradespeople. 
  • If that’s not enough, there have been attacks on union safeguards, as well as immigrant and LGBTQ workers.  

Make your voice heard

Call or Email Congress

Contact your senators and representatives and urge them to fight for racial equity, gender justice, and workplace safety within the trades. Chicago Women in Trades is committed to standing up against the attacks on workforce equity, and we continue to support our tradeswomen in this fight!

Take action

Let’s Break the Concrete Floor.

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