The true spirit of CWIT lies in the determination and resilience of the founding tradeswomen who refused to accept the status quo. From challenging discriminatory hiring practices and advocating for safe workplaces, the unwavering commitment of CWIT’s tradeswomen has opened doors and changed lives.
Today, women make up only less than 5% of Illinois’ construction trades workforce despite federal legislation prohibiting gender discrimination in hiring. CWIT addresses this disparity through targeted initiatives: comprehensive training programs, strategic policy initiatives, and technical assistance to employers and unions seeking to create inclusive workplaces.