Women in Welding

A Discussion with a group of women from High Steel

• By Marquis Lupton

Aired; March 4th, 2024.

March being officially declared Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation, is a time dedicated to honoring the significant contributions of women throughout American history. Originally conceived as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California, Women’s History Week was first observed in 1978, coinciding with International Women’s Day on March 8th. Over the years, this observance has evolved into a nationwide recognition of the achievements and struggles of women in various fields.

On The Spark, we highlighted “Women in Welding”. Despite constituting only 5 to 6 percent of the entire workforce in welding, these women play a crucial role in the industry. On The Spark, we featured interviews with several women welders from High Steel, providing insight into their experiences and challenges as women in a predominantly male-dominated profession.

The ladies highlighted the perseverance and resilience of each of them, as they gave first hand accounts of being a woman in welding. These women discussed challenges as they navigate a field traditionally seen as male-centric. Through their stories, we gained a deeper understanding of the barriers women in welding face and the strides they have made to overcome them. From breaking stereotypes to advocating for gender equality in the workplace, these women exemplify the spirit of Women’s History Month.

As the month unfolds, The Spark will continue its mission to celebrate the achievements of women throughout history, inspiring our audience to recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of women in shaping the fabric of American society.