Canadian women members are finding new avenues of support as the First District's number of Women's Committees recently rocketed from six to 13.

Tradeswomen make up roughly 4% of the construction workforce, representing an upward trend. Still, it leaves a lot of opportunity to recruit new members with construction workers in high demand — it's estimated that the industry will need to fill more than 300,000 vacancies over the next decade. Women's Committees are a way to do that.

"Women's Committees offer a sense of belonging in a male-dominated industry," said Jennifer Gray, director of civic and community engagement. "From mentoring and organizing to community service and activism, these committees engage and empower women to take an active role in their union while building a bigger and stronger IBEW."

Sandra Brynjolfson, assistant business manager at Vancouver, British Columbia, Local 213, was part of a small cadre of women who started organizing an ad hoc women's committee in 2013. Local 213 got its certificate of recognition for the committee last April, and Business Manager Jim Lofty is quick to point out that the efforts of Brynjolfson and others were crucial to the local's current success.

"Having a resource like a Women's Committee reassures women entering the trade that they're not alone and there's a safe space for them to address issues that are common to women," Brynjolfson said. "It's a natural way of organizing. When you feel you belong and you share that passion, others gravitate toward it."

Lofty also noted the importance of having women members in lobbying efforts, such as when they spoke to provincial representatives about the importance of proper-fitting personal protective equipment.

"For politicians to hear these stories from our women members and see how loose-fitting clothing and PPE can be a hazard, it was received in a way that a bunch of men couldn't have conveyed," he said.

First District International Vice President Russ Shewchuk has called for the Canadian Women's Caucus, a one-day gathering for female delegates, to be held just before the All-Canada Progress Meeting and for business managers to send their Women's Committee members to both.

"Having the caucus the week of the ACPM provides a more significant opportunity for networking with IBEW leaders, NextGen members and other women," Shewchuk said. "Face-to-face discussions are essential for getting their message heard."

For smaller committees, meeting more women members is a great way to cultivate a sense of solidarity that runs throughout the union.

"Our local has under 30 women, so it's great to meet others in the trade," said Hamilton, Ontario, Local 105 member Warner Kelly, who co-chairs her Women's Committee. "It definitely takes our committee to the next level."

Having women at the progress meeting also means they can participate more fully in the union, Ottawa Local 2228 Business Manager Paul Cameron said.

"It's more than just making them feel included," Cameron said. "I wanted them to take part and get the whole experience."

For Local 2228 Assistant Business Manager Meaghan Olmstead, the conferences are a way to educate and empower women in a way that could help on a jobsite.

"A lot of times, women won't raise their hands on a jobsite. Conferences help you raise your hand because there's a whole network of sisters supporting you," said Olmstead, who co-founded Local 2228's Women's Committee.

Whether it's offering a mental health workshop, volunteering at a women's shelter or hosting a euchre tournament, successful Women's Committees are providing avenues for involvement and solidarity, which is necessary for retention — a major issue in the industry.

One thing that's universal for the success of a Women's Committee is support from the local's leadership.

"It's imperative to have leadership on your side. When a business manager explains something, it has more authority," Olmstead said. "Without the support of our brothers, sisters will have a hard time."