Since its founding, the association has organized networking activities for women in the industry, including architects, engineers, entrepreneurs, and managers. Women working in the trades are also part of the association, but they are often in the minority. Yet their day-to-day reality differs from that of office-based professionals: construction site schedules, predominantly male teams, and direct interactions with forepersons.
The September 17 evening was created with them in mind. For one of the first times, the event was dedicated entirely to women working in the field. The goal was to give them an opportunity to talk about their working conditions with other women who share similar experiences.
For many participants, the opportunity to connect with one another was just as meaningful as the rest of the evening. “Talking among ourselves makes us feel better. We give each other advice.” For another participant, the evening came at just the right time: “If I hadn’t come tonight, I’m not sure I would have had the strength to continue my training. But thanks to you, I do now,” she shared.
The conversations also highlighted the need for greater recognition of their skills. “People see us as women, rather than as the professionals we are.”
A tool reviewed by the women it was designed for
The evening also provided an opportunity to introduce a tool developed by Les Elles de la construction and its partner, Ozex. The tool is designed to support the physical and mental well-being of women in the industry. It offers interactive pathways, each focusing on a common situation on construction sites, including:
- Take Your Place on the Jobsite: Setting Boundaries at Work. Between the pressure of keeping up with the pace, expectations, and team dynamics, saying no isn’t always easy. This pathway helps users recognize their boundaries, feel empowered to express them, and communicate them clearly.
- Take Your Place Without Losing Yourself: Navigating Your Femininity in a Male-Dominated Environment. This pathway offers a space to reflect on what it means to be a woman in an environment where femininity is often challenged, and to embrace your own way of expressing it at work.
- Defuse It: I Feel Guilty. Designed for those moments when guilt keeps coming back, this pathway asks users to identify where they are emotionally, then offers a simple strategy to help them take a step back.
Following revisions based on participants’ feedback, the tool will soon be available exclusively to our members.
Next gathering in February
The next Women in the Trades evening will take place in February 2027, in Montréal and Québec City. Stay tuned for details!
Relive the event through photos
Relive the highlights of the event by browsing all the photos below.
