A Viewpoint On Construction Viewpoint, Inc.

It’s Not All Wonderful

Hi, I thought this was a good show in the way that it’s very rare to cover this subject. I’m a female veteran, who began my carpentry career in 2009 (10 years ago). Sadly, I have a much more dismal outlook on the industry than your guests. I am also located in the progressive west coast, but from my viewpoint, once you are a female in construction you may as well be living in 1890.
I have endured horrific verbal abuse, shunning, unwanted sexual advances, as well as noticing than some men just outright feel uncomfortable with me being around. I still work in the field, but on my own now doing small projects because the anxiety and isolation is too intense.
It is also sad that I must disagree that there are more women joining the trades. I see no evidence for this either on the job or on the BOLI website (and I do check). Please remember that BOLI considers female receptionists and sometimes accountants as being in construction is they are a construction-based company. It is an inflated number because - lets be honest - that isn’t really a construction job.
My opinion is that it is men’s jobs to integrate women into the trades. I heard an add on the radio recently calling for more to join the carpenter’s union. The voice was of a gruff white male. Hmmmm.... not very inviting to anyone other than that demographic...
My sister graduated HS in East Oregon a couple of years ago and was in FFA. They learned to build chicken coops and other basic wooden garden items. The boys in her class told her she shouldn’t be using a saw because she was a girl, and continued harassing her throughout the building process. In my eyes, almost nothing has changed.
Basically, I think your show was totally off into a different reality of wishful thinking and true equality, but that is far from what I’ve seen. I mean that in the most respectful way, though. Thank you for covering the subject, however. I am glad the women you interviewed had good experiences. Thank you.