Women in Construction Week (WIC Week) takes place March 1–7, 2026, and celebrates the contributions, achievements, and growing impact of women across the construction industry. Led by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), the week also raises awareness of career pathways, training, and apprenticeship opportunities for women in the skilled trades.
The roots of WIC go back more than six decades. The movement began in 1960, when Amarillo, Texas Mayor A.F. Madison proclaimed the first WIC Week, recognizing the growing contributions of women in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
This celebration is closely tied to the founding of the NAWIC, originally formed in 1953 as Women in Construction of Fort Worth, Texas, created by a group of women seeking connection, advocacy, and professional support. The organization expanded nationally by 1955 and has since grown into a leading professional association with more than 115 chapters across the United States, supporting women in the skilled trades.
By the late 1990s, NAWIC formally established WIC during the first full week of March, aligning it with Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day to further elevate visibility and advance equity within the industry.
While often viewed as a modern shift, women have played a role in construction for centuries – from early builders and craftspeople to notable figures such as Emily Roebling, who oversaw completion of the Brooklyn Bridge in the late 1800s.
Today, women remain underrepresented in construction, but their participation continues to grow across trades, leadership, project management, and technical roles. With ongoing labour shortages, supporting women entering the industry is critical to building a strong, sustainable workforce.
WIC Week helps to:
WIC Week is both a celebration and a call to action. By supporting training, education, and inclusive career pathways, the construction industry can continue to grow stronger – together.
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