I can do anything as good as you - Essay Example

Despite the optimistic perspective and the lure of higher income expected from the demands of the job, the experience of Eisenberg, and other women from the construction workforce indicated that the percentage was permanently pegged at 2 percent since 1980. In this regard, the essay aims to critically analyze the capacity of women to work on an equal footing with men, especially in professions that have been stereotyped as predominantly of men’s domain. The first and critical issue that needs to be addressed is can women do the job?

Can women become carpenters, electricians, ironworkers, painters and plumbers? Despite the small percentage of the female gender that delved into these professions, Eisenberg proved that women can to the job – with loads of determination, patience, the will to overcome challenges, and the persistence to succeed. The Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW) “trains women and places them in careers in the skilled construction, utility, and maintenance trades, helping women achieve economic independence and a secure future” (par. 1). As of 2005, NEW revealed that the percentage of women as construction workers have already risen to 3% (NEW, par. 5). The advantages of pursuing this particular career path are: (1) high remuneration (of as much as $10 to $17 per hour during the first year, to increase to as much as $45 per hour upon completion of the apprenticeship program); (2) availment of excellent medical benefits; (3) other benefits such as pensions and paid annuities are offered; and (4) various kinds of training in stages and phases of work are given and availed of (NEW: Programs, pars. 7 - 10). On the other hand, despite the lucrative opportunities of the profession, most women opt to avoid working as construction laborers for the reasons such as: (1) job responsibilities and tasks are mentally and physically demanding; (2) working hours are generally way too early than traditional working hours; (3) outdoor work all throughout the year is required; and (4) perceived male dominance is seen as a barrier to entry (NEW: Programs, pars. 11 - 14). The next concern is should women do the job?

The answer is a resounding why not? All challenges enumerated above could be addressed through appropriate training and by giving incentives and support. The fact that the women interviewed by Eisenberg have proven that they can do the job indicates that the demands, knowledge, skills and abilities needed to accomplish required tasks could be developed in women, with proper training and experience. Further, just like in every other endeavor, success in a career begins with one’s genuine interest and enthusiasm to delve into the chosen field.

Nothing is really impossible when one puts one’s mind and heart into any endeavor worth pursuing. Regrettably, the labor movement has remained compliant to the plight of tradeswomen. As revealed by Eisenberg in her official website continue to raise the public and legislator’s awareness on the need, not only to announce the governmental policies on offering construction jobs and apprenticeship to women, but more so, on active promotion and enforcement of these policies to increase participation and outcome.

As averred “In a 1994 interview with LA ironworker Mary Michels, I asked her how many women she thought would be working in construction. Her response: “