Celebrating Women in Construction: A Personal Perspective
As we celebrate Women in Construction Week and look ahead to International Women's Day on March 8th, I find myself reflecting on the incredible contributions women are making in Ontario’s construction industry. Traditionally a male-dominated field, the building supply industry - and construction as a whole - is evolving, and I’m proud to be part of the movement pushing for greater inclusion, innovation, and opportunity.
Women Are Shaping the Future of Construction
In recent years, I’ve seen more and more women stepping into roles across the industry. As of 2023, women made up about 13% of Ontario’s construction workforce—a number that is growing, but still shows there’s work to be done. While representation in areas like contracting and construction management remains low, the tide is turning.
Bringing more women into the industry isn’t just about fairness; it’s about strengthening the industry as a whole.
Diverse Perspectives Lead to Better Solutions – Women bring unique insights to job sites and boardrooms alike, driving innovation and problem-solving.
More Talent Means a Stronger Workforce – With skilled labor shortages affecting the industry, encouraging women to join the trades helps ensure we meet future demands.
Financial Stability & Opportunity – Careers in construction offer competitive wages, creating pathways for women to build financial independence and long-term success.
“Beth Marchant, Marketing Specialist with Hewson Brothers Building Supply & Acoustic Solutions shared her career story including her background in marketing, event management and visual merchandising and how they all led her to current role in the construction industry doing website, graphic, graphic clothing design, special events and social media.”
Empowering the Next Generation
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is helping young people explore career opportunities in the building materials industry, construction and the skilled trades. As a volunteer for the Business and Education Partnership of Waterloo Region (BEPWR), I help students see some real-world career possibilities by sharing my experience and my career path. BEPWR helps demystify the trades, showcases a variety of role models, and provide mentorship opportunities—because when young women see examples of opportunities in this field, they’re more likely to pursue them.
My career has taken me through a variety of roles within the building materials industry, from Marketing Coordinator for Logix Brands to my current position as Marketing Manager for Hewson Brothers Building Supply. These experiences have shaped my perspective on the power of marketing and connection within the industry, and reinforce how critical it is to create pathways for women in traditionally male-dominated industries like construction.
Looking Ahead
There’s still work to do, but I’m excited about the progress we’re making. By continuing to support mentorship, workplace inclusivity, and awareness initiatives, we can help more women find rewarding careers within the construction industry as a whole.
So, as we celebrate Women in Construction Week and International Women's Day, I encourage you to think about how you can support the next generation of women in this industry. Whether it’s through mentorship, advocacy, or simply sharing the stories of women thriving in construction, every effort makes a difference.
Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive future—one where women are not just welcomed in construction, but an equal force in the industry’s success.
