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ANEW's very own Executive Director, Karen Dove, and Director of J.E.D.I, Denise Nicole’ Franklin, are going international!
Tradeswomen Building Bridges, a rank-and-file volunteer organization, will be taking a delegation of 50 tradeswomen on a learning exchange, June 9-20, 2022, to London, England.
Tradeswomen in the United Kingdom encounter many of the same barriers as Tradeswomen in North America. However, numbers, allies, and funding are increasing. Best practices will be shared for a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive global network. During this learning exchange, tradeswomen and advocates will meet workers, union leaders, policymakers, and community advocates.
The Tradeswomen Building Bridges learning exchange involves:
- A training exchange with tradeswomen in London.
- Learning about London’s industry and building relationships that are needed for useful two-way dialogue to improve the lives of women construction workers around the globe.
- Meeting with regional members of Builders and Woodworkers International.
- Strategizing with Unite the Union, which is encountering the greatest challenges facing European workers today.
Our goals are to build transnational solidarity among women working in the trades, learn about the lives and working conditions of tradeswomen globally, share the best practices for women gaining access to careers in the trades, and continue growing the global network of tradeswomen.
The delegation aims to galvanize support for greater inclusion of women in the construction sector, express solidarity with women in training and working in the industry, and provide a focus for discussion. We know this trip is an opportunity of a lifetime for all tradeswomen around the world and although we are aware that the influence of unions is declining, we feel this is a way to increase the strength and pride of locals everywhere, as well as a great tool for recruitment.
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