SPRINGFIELD, ILL — A powerful wave of pink shirts flooded the Illinois State Capitol this spring as nearly 300 women from trade unions across the state gathered to make their voices heard. The event, titled “Tradeswomen Take Over Springfield,” was organized by the Illinois AFL-CIO and marked a bold call for greater inclusion, support, and safety for women in construction and skilled trades.
Women in Trades Demand Support and Change
The women, representing various chapters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), used the March 5th lobby day to meet directly with state lawmakers. Their goal was clear: advocate for policies that create better working conditions and increase access for women in the trades.
“This day was extraordinary for everyone,” said Bea Thompson, a Chicago-based IBEW Local 134 representative. “We learned how to be part of the lobbying process by speaking face-to-face with our lawmakers.”
Key Issues: Childcare, Safety, and Equity
Central to the tradeswomen’s demands were three issues:
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Accessible childcare, especially during non-traditional work hours.
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Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for all body types.
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Combating gender-based violence and discrimination on job sites.
They also called on legislators to support House Resolution 161, which reinforces the state’s commitment to expanding workforce access for all Illinois residents who wish to pursue a career in the trades.
“Our sisters brought up valid points about the challenges of finding childcare, particularly during evening apprenticeship classes,” said Mike Raikes of IBEW Local 197 in Bloomington.
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A Growing Force in a Male-Dominated Field
Women make up about 5% of the Illinois construction workforce — slightly above the national average. But participants say more must be done to make the field accessible to working mothers and women who want stable careers.
Deanna Lavoie, an IBEW Local 601 office manager from Champaign-Urbana, said her own transition from fieldwork to an office job came only after giving birth.
“My husband is also in the trades, and after our baby was born, I’m not sure how we would’ve managed if I didn’t get the office role,” Lavoie said. “It’s hard to plan childcare when you don’t know your start time or where the site will be.”
She also pointed out how challenging it is for female construction workers to follow breastfeeding laws, noting, “How many construction sites do you think accommodate that?”
Legislators Listening and Learning
The event proved to be a first-time experience for many, not just in advocating for themselves, but in realizing the impact their voices can make.
“The legislators were very receptive,” said Thompson. “More than a few were eager to support H.R. 161.”
The lobby day also served as a public display of solidarity, showing young women and girls across Illinois that skilled trades are not just a man’s world — and that support is growing.
A Call for Inclusion and Innovation
Participants say that expanding the role of women in the trades doesn’t just fix workforce gaps — it improves the entire industry.
“Women have already played a vital role in building this nation,” said Raikes. “There’s plenty of room for more — and we need to create unity across all ranks.”
Thompson echoed the sentiment: “Given the opportunities and proper training, our capabilities are limitless.”
Do you support expanding opportunities for women in the trades? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
