K 181: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2025, as Women in the Trades Month in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 181 BY: M. of A. Walsh MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2025, as Women in the Trades Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official months dedicated to raising awareness of serious issues impacting the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2025, as Women in the Trades Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Women in the Trades Month; and WHEREAS, Women in the Trades Month, celebrated each year in March, serves as a recognition of the vital contributions that women make in industries historically dominated by men; and WHEREAS, This vital day of recognition highlights the achievements, challenges, and advancements women face as they break barriers and build careers in skilled trades such as construction, plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, and welding; and WHEREAS, According to a 2021 report by the Institute for Women's Policy Research which looked at the national picture, in 2020, over 300,000 women-the largest number ever-worked in construction occupations, reflecting growth even during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, women remain highly underrepresented in the trades, accounting for just 4% of all workers in construction occupations; and WHEREAS, Recruitment and retention of a labor force for the trades is always a problem, incentivizing more women to join these fields helps to fill gaps in the workforce; and WHEREAS, Over the years, women have increasingly entered these fields, proving that their skills and talents are just as valuable and necessary as their male counterparts; despite the ongoing gender disparity in these trades, the movement toward greater representation has gained momentum; today, women not only work in these sectors but also lead initiatives to mentor others, advocate for fair pay, and promote workplace equality; and WHEREAS, Women in the trades often face unique challenges, including gender stereotypes, a lack of female role models, and workplace discrimination; many have overcome these barriers through resilience and dedication, becoming leaders and trailblazers in their fields; and WHEREAS, Programs and initiatives dedicated to supporting women in these industries have made significant progress, offering scholarships, networking opportunities, and training programs to foster the growth of women in skilled labor; and WHEREAS, Celebrating Women in the Trades Month is an essential reminder of the need for inclusivity and equal opportunities; and WHEREAS, By recognizing women's contributions to the trades, society acknowledges that skilled labor is not defined by gender, and both men and women play equally important roles in shaping industries that build, maintain, and improve communities; as the movement continues to grow, the next generation of women in the trades is poised to change the face of these industries for good; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2025, as Women in the Trades Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.