Women’s Work?
The industrial metal world has historically represented male-dominated fields. However, with each passing year, that gender gap narrows as the presence of women in manufacturing, machining, fabrication, welding, and construction grows.
Looking back, women have played an important role in the metal industry in various points in history. For example, during World Wars I and II women filled many roles in metal factories including steel mills. And as National Women’s History Month draws to a close, we want to recognize the importance of the continued rise of women in every part of the Arizona industrial metal landscape.
Why does it matter?
Hiring a diverse staff that encompasses every position, from laborers to management, can help ensure a strong and balanced team, employee satisfaction, and quality work. In turn, this movement will increase the perceived value of your company, establishing it as a sustainable and attractive option for potential employees and customers.
Forbes.com reports that, “Exposure to new ideas and experiences can help broaden your entire team’s capacity for creative thought. Sharing knowledge and experiences can also improve skill sets across the entire organization. As team members come together toward a common goal and seek to lift and empower each other, everyone’s capacity for meaningful contributions can improve even further.” The choices we make today in working to employ women within Arizona’s metal industries will lay the groundwork for generations to come.
As reported by S&P Global, a 2019 survey by the International Labour Organization found that 57.4% of cross-industry responses reported that gender diversity initiatives improve business outcomes. “Among those responses, 60.2% reported increased profits and productivity, while 54.4% reported greater creativity, innovation and openness.”
We’ve made some gains, but have room to grow
- The percentage of women in the construction agency has risen from 10.9% to 14% in the last five years.
- The American Welding Society reports that the number of women welders has grown from 4% to 6% in the last 13 years.
- According to S&P Global, the percentage of top leadership positions in publicly-traded mining companies rose from 10.5% to 12.1% between 2021 and 2023.
Some other regions have the right idea
Compare those US statistics to the Middle East and Africa, where women in mining company leadership represent an impressive 30.9% of total positions.
Also, a recent Australian Steel Industry poll shows a growth in the number of women working in steel products from 14% to 25% in the past 10 years, largely due to a growing number of women entering trades and engineering education programs.
In honor of National Women’s History Month, we want to applaud and encourage the women who break the barriers that often exist within metal industries. We recognize and appreciate the challenges that can come with working and excelling as a minority in your given field.
Moreover, regardless of what month it is, we value every one of our customers all year long. For all businesses in the greater Phoenix area that purchase and use industrial metal, we appreciate your efforts to grow and stabilize a strong and sustainable company. It’s no small feat to operate a successful construction, fabrication, machining, or welding company in Arizona, and we applaud you. For all your metal purchasing needs, Arizona Iron Supply Inc. is your best source for Phoenix industrial metal supply. We provide individualized customer service to deliver what you need, when you need it, and offer consultation and expertise along the way.
