WOMEN LEAD WITH SKILLS AND POWER! 

New Traditional Women Professions: Breaking Barriers and Stereotypes

The global campaign "Women in Trades," launched by BWI in 2020, aims to encourage women to pursue careers in the construction sector and other male-dominated fields, such as building materials, wood, and forestry. These industries have historically been characterised by a lack of female representation, often leading to challenging working conditions and a prevailing culture that discourages women from pursuing careers within them.

The male-dominated landscape can deter women from following their career aspirations, especially when traditional gender roles come into play. Therefore, it’s crucial for career planning to be inclusive and free from gender stereotypes, allowing workers—regardless of their gender—to pursue their passions and leverage their skills and interests.

On the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, BWI is committed to dismantling these stereotypes and highlighting the successful stories of women who have forged careers in BWI sectors along with trade union activism. The campaign aims to showcase not only the accomplishments of these women but also the resilience they exhibit in overcoming the barriers they face in nontraditional occupations. 

BWI is calling upon its affiliates to engage in various activities for the IWD mobilisation, including:

• Visit vocational schools: Affiliates are encouraged to visit vocational institutions and share inspiring success stories of women working in BWI sectors to motivate women students and challenge preconceived notions about gender roles in trades.
• Organise workplace visits: By facilitating discussions with women already employed in these fields, affiliates can explore strategies for attracting more women to the BWI sectors.
• Capture and share activities on social media: Affiliates are urged to document their IWD activities, utilising BWI visual materials, and share their experiences on social media platforms. The hashtag #BWIWomenSkills will serve as a rallying point for this movement.

Through these initiatives, BWI aims to contribute to the broader goal of societal change, where all individuals can thrive in their chosen fields without the constraints of outdated gender stereotypes.

Download our campaign posters here