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Equality Works Program

The Equality Works Program uses policy initiatives and impact litigation to challenge discrimination and expand opportunities for women working in historically male-dominated fields such as the skilled trades and firefighting. Jobs in these fields offer excellent wages and benefits, providing long-term economic security to women who might otherwise be forced into low-wage, dead-end jobs.

EXPERT REPORT

From the Ground Up: Building Opportunities for Women in Construction
by Jennifer K. Brown and Francoise Jacobsohn
Legal Momentum, July 2008

 

In July 2008, Legal Momentum published From the Ground Up: Building Opportunities for Women in Construction, a report on our ground-breaking conference, Women re:BUILD NY, which brought leaders from all segments of the construction industry together with tradeswomen to focus on making equal opportunity a reality for women in the construction trades.

 

• Download the report as a PDF.
• Order a print copy. 

Facts About Non-Traditional Jobs

The U.S. Department of Labor defines a non-traditional occupation as one in which women comprise 25% or less of the workforce, in other words, male-dominated jobs. Most of these jobs pay excellent wages, offer on-the-job training, and often are unionized. In non-traditional occupations, 25% or less of total workers are women. They include:

Tradeswomen

Women make up just 3% of construction workers nationwide. Discriminatory hiring practices, hostile work environments, stereotypes about women's abilities keep many away. Operation Punch List (OPL)  is at the heart of Legal Momentum Equality Works program's outreach to tradeswomen. OPL is a New York City-based group of tradeswomen to which Legal Momentum has provided sponsorship, a meeting place, and legal assistance since 2000.

Firefighters

Women have been fighting fires in the United States since the 19th century. Approximately 6,000 paid firefighters are women; thousands more comprise the ranks of volunteer firefighters and emergency medical service (EMS) professionals. Women encounter numerous obstacles including on the job harassment, and lack of appropriate gear and firehouse facilities.