International Women's Day 2024
International Women's Day 2024
Celebrating International Women's Day and the accomplishments of women throughout the month of March.
This year's Government of Canada theme for International Women's Day 2024 is: Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress. International Women’s Day has been celebrated globally for over 100 years. The movement began with protests and campaigning for change to women’s oppression, inequality, suffrage, and working conditions. In 1910 the International Conference of Working Women formalized International Women’s Day and the date of March 8 was officially designated in 1917.
Since then the day has been celebrated and used as an engagement point to continue to drive awareness and change for women’s rights and issues. It is also a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
This theme is particularly significant for SkilledTradesBC as investing in the progress of women in skilled trades is an organizational priority. Our Trades, Access, and Inclusion department work with organizations to facilitate key initiatives such as Discover and sampler programs and supporting BCCWITT's Leaders in Trades program. By investing in women, we can accelerate progress across several fronts including building more welcoming and inclusive workplaces, empowering more people in sustainable and rewarding careers, and helping build the labour force that builds B.C.'s communities. It is an investment that benefits everyone today, tomorrow, and for future generations.
We also continue to evolve the way we mark progress for women in trades - we are looking beyond registration numbers and have begun tracking environment. Our goal metric 3C tracks ‘Women in Underrepresented Trades Training Environments are Free of Racism and Discrimination (Technical Training and On-the-Job Training)’ was added as part of our new Strategic Plan. This performance measure will be important to help us to understand the complexities and challenges of retaining women in apprenticeships and progressing in their skilled trades career.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY CONTEST
SkilledTradesBC has partnered with the BC Centre For Women in the Trades, Kitselas Five Tier System and Build TogetHER BC for an exciting Instagram contest running from March 8 until March 25. Three (3) winners will be selected to win one of the following prize packs to share with their nominated 'superwoman.'
Prize 1 - Two $100 Visa Gift Cards + two swag packs
Prize 2 - Two $50 Home Depot Gift Cards + two swag packs
Prize 3 - Two $50 Visa Gift Cards + two swag packs
This contest is now closed. Make sure you follow us on social media for updates on our future contests!
Throughout this month we will be celebrating International Women's Day (March 8th) by highlighting the success and stories of female tradespeople! Please keep an eye on this page for new content and follow us on social media. Click here for the full Contest Rules and Guidelines.
Q&A with Women in Trades
Q&A with Women in Trades
Success Story: Amanda Koehler
Amanda is a Red Seal Motorcycle Technician with 20 years of experience. Amanda wants everyone to feel comfortable to pursue their dreams, emphasizing the importance of growing inclusivity in the trades.
Success Story: Vanessa Nokleby
Vanessa, an electrician, first found her passion through a Women in Trades program, where she was able to explore various trades in a safe and welcoming environment. She encourages more women to invest in themselves; "your future self will thank you!"
Success Story: Amandeep Beesla
Amandeep Beesla is certified as a Heavy Equipment Operator with over 20 years of experience in the skilled trades. Amandeep is proud to be part of the building industry in BC and to represent the South Asian community.
Success Story: Monique Song
Monique Song is a Metal Fabrication apprentice who first discovered the trades through a Trades Discovery for Women program at BCIT. She carved her own unique path as the first tradesperson in her family.
Why is it important for women to join the trades?
"Because women and non-binary individuals kick ass and are capable of SO much! ❤️ Anything is possible and the more you are capable of the more confident you are."
Carly Steiman, Electrician
"Feeling a sense of agency over your own life and circumstances is so important for women. Having a trade means I've never worried about job security or felt tied to a single employer. I can move anywhere in the world even if I don't speak the language and know I'll always find work. I carry my trade in my hands and in my expertise and no one can take that from me, that's a very empowering feeling! "
Breena Jackson, Cabinetmaker
"The skilled trades have many amazing opportunities to fulfilling and well paying careers. Women and other equity deserving groups deserve the chance to work in the skilled trades and to thrive in them."
Nicole Wiet, Elevator Mechanic