Aluminum Etc.: Girls, boys need to see strong women in positions of authority in welding industry

Reflecting on this past March's Women’s History Month, Aluminum Etc. columnist Gina Cutts discusses her hopes for women in the welding industry after Kamala Harris’ inauguration as the first female vice president of the U.S. Getty Images

I’m going take a brief pause from “Aluminum” to focus on the “Etc.” portion of this column and reflect on this past March's Women's History Month.

When Kamala Harris was inaugurated as our country’s first female vice president, it was hard to not hear pundits argue about the importance for young girls to see strong women in positions of authority, and that Vice President Harris’ inauguration would motivate young girls to see themselves in such positions. As inspiring as this is, I couldn’t help but think that young girls have always seen themselves in these positions. They have always aspired to achieve great things.

Having strong, successful, powerful women as role models is important for girls. But I also think it is just as important for boys to see and learn from those same successful powerful women.

As a welder and teacher, I sometimes think that the second-most important thing I teach (right after welding skills) is that women are just as capable in a construction or manufacturing environment as men. My hope is that these boys turn into young men who respect and admire the women they work alongside or for and believe that women working in industry is totally normal.

I have been told too many times I was the first woman a man has worked for or that I was the first woman a man has worked alongside.

From personal experience I know I wouldn’t have gotten my first welding job back in 1987 if it wasn’t for a secretary telling the male shop owner to give me a chance. If I hadn’t had that one person advocate for me, I don’t know how long I would have kept at it. It’s possible I wouldn’t have had such an amazing career.

Unfortunately, women often must depend on male business owners to open up these positions for them; give women a chance to prove they are just as determined and capable as any male employee; and conclude that women are just as serious about their careers.

I have trained thousands of men over my career. I would like to think I have influenced their perspective on what women can achieve and where women belong.

Like so many others, seeing a woman hold the second-most powerful position in the nation for the first time leaves me feeling hopeful for 2021 and beyond. I know amazing, talented, successful, and strong women who proudly hold their own in careers that they love. I am hoping this will inspire women to enter the trades—especially welding—and that soon it will no longer be known as a male-dominated industry.