As a union tradeswoman with the Carpenters’ Regional Council (CRC), I have always believed in the power of solidarity and skill-sharing to uplift and empower women in the trades. When I had the opportunity to participate in the Tradeswomen Building Bridges (TBB) delegation to the Philippines, I knew it would be a transformative experience.
I was excited to take this journey alongside my fellow trades sister, Angel Anderson from Local 343. Together this past November, we travelled to the Philippines to collaborate with the Association of Women Workers in the Construction Industry (AWWCI) and other grassroots organizations. We were proud to represent the UBC, our Locals and the TBB network.
The mission of Tradeswomen Building Bridges is to connect tradeswomen globally by fostering solidarity and sharing best practices to empower women in our industry. Our trip included several goals, including enhancing leadership skills, increasing cultural awareness, and supporting our Filipina sisters as they developed their carpentry skills. By building international connections, we aim to strengthen our global community of union tradeswomen and advocate for positive change, both at home and abroad.
Breaking Barriers in the Trades
Before joining the delegation, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I had encouraged other tradeswomen to participate in previous years, but when I learned this year’s mission would include hands-on carpentry training, I knew I had to be involved.
During our time there, I witnessed firsthand the difficulties women in the Philippines encounter when trying to enter the construction industry. Despite construction being one of the fastest-growing industries in the country, women hold less than two per cent of these jobs. Many women hesitate to pursue construction careers due to a fear of not being accepted or taken seriously by their male colleagues and employers.
My fellow delegate and mission partner, Angel, observed “For myself, being a unionized female worker in Canada, I already know that I will never have to face this type of discrimination alone. Our unions have the strength and power to act on our behalf. The Filipina women stand together, but they have much less institutional support.”
Empowerment Through Training
Planning the training for our Filipina sisters had its own set of challenges. Acquiring the necessary tools and materials was surprisingly difficult, which forced us to be adaptable. When the right nails or screws weren’t available, we modified the project. When we lacked specific tools, we found alternative methods. This experience stretched my creativity and problem-solving skills in ways I hadn’t encountered before.
The dedication and enthusiasm of the Filipina women was incredible. Their eagerness to learn and support one another made for an empowering environment. Many of them had never met before, yet they worked together as though they had been lifelong friends. Their teamwork and motivation were truly inspiring. As Angel pointed out, “Many of them took time off work, left their families, and travelled great distances for the opportunity to grow and learn with us. They knew this would be a very limited, and maybe ‘once in a lifetime’ training opportunity for them.”
During our wrap-up discussion, hearing the gratitude from the Filipina women was deeply moving. They spoke of how the skills they learned could help them improve their homes, create products to sell, or even pursue a trade. From 18-year-olds to single mothers and even senior participants, their dedication was undeniable. It was humbling to learn this was the first training session where every participant completed the course – a testament to their hard work and commitment.
A Call to Action
This experience reinforced how much we take for granted here in North America. In Canada, we have access to training opportunities, secure employment, and union support. The women in the Philippines don’t have those same assurances, and it is crucial that we step up and support them.
Angel summed it up perfectly when she said, “Tradeswomen in the Philippines are not fighting for anything less than to have equal rights and to be accepted in an industry that they are passionate about. They are painters, carpenters, electricians, and more, and all they want is the right to offer skilled work and to provide much-needed services in their communities.”
This experience was not just about teaching – it was about building bridges between nations, tradeswomen, and the shared goal of equity in the trades. I hope more North American organizations, unions, and employers take action to support programs that create opportunities for Filipina tradeswomen.
Participating in this delegation was a life-changing journey that I will not soon forget, and I am committed to continuing this important work. The fight for equity in the trades is global, and together, we can make lasting change.
Read Part One of this story.
