I have spent over 30 years of my life as an engineer in the construction business.   When I entered, fewer than 1% of engineers were women. Now it is closer to 20% a number that has stagnated since the beginning of the century.  As for construction, I have seen changes in the laws against harassment and discrimination, but little increase in the participation of women in this business.

As a result of discrimination, stereotyping and intimidation there are very few women in this field. There are only about 10% construction engineers, 6% project managers and less than 3% trade workers.  We need to take affirmative steps to get more women into this lucrative and rewarding work.  Anecdotally, women in these fields typically are reported as being competent and dedicated.  More women in the field will lead to a better workforce and improve the public perception of the construction worker in our society.

I believe Hillary Clinton will be our next president.  She can enforce laws already on the books that will force employers and unions to admit qualified women into jobs and seek out  participants.  There is no reason why women should not participate equally in engineering and management positions with males.  As in the military, not every women will want to do some of the trade work however, there are many trades that women have proven themselves to be as competent as the men doing the work.  There is no reason to believe that a full quarter of the workforce or more cannot be female.