Building Women, Not Just Houses
Founded in 1991 by Habitat for Humanity, Women Build is a program that encourages the involvement of women in the construction of Habitat homes.
Nationwide, more than 60% of Habitat homeowners are female heads of household. In Pierce County, that number over the past three years is close to 75%. As homeowners complete sweat equity hours and receive construction training, they gain the skills and confidence to maintain their homes.
Women Build seeks to bring that sense of strength and self-reliance to all women. Any woman who wants to learn how to build a home is invited to join. The atmosphere is collaborative and friendly, and no experience is necessary. Whether you are learning new skills or simply adding a few to your tool belt, Women Build is a rewarding experience for all involved, and improves the community we share.
Women Build 2020
Women Build empowers women to recognize their skills and talents, and creates opportunities for them to grow through a variety of engagement opportunities. Whether you make a donation, become a Women Build member, or swing a hammer on Women Build Wednesdays, you make a difference.
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Women Build Membership
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While Women Build Wednesdays and most workshops are free and open to anyone, Women Build membership does have its benefits, including:
- Priority registration for Saturday builds and select workshops
- Women Build t-shirt
Women Build membership is $120 annually. To become a member, or gift a membership to someone else, click here. Once you finalize your membership purchase, you will be provided an access code to view/register for members-only activities.
Back of Women Build t-shirts:
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Women Build Wednesdays
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Join us on the construction site for for Women Build Wednesdays, and help build homes at Tyler Court!
The last Wednesday of the month, May through October, is designated Women Build Wednesday and is open to all women interested in learning home building skills in an inclusive and collaborative environment. Each of these builds are open to at least 10 volunteers; additional volunteer slots may be added, if the workload allows.
For priority access to Saturday builds, consider a Women Build membership.
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International Women's Day Build
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Join us on the construction site Saturday, March 7 as we celebrate International Women’s Day (March 8) with a special Women Build.
Women Build members and Lowe’s Heroes have priority registration for the 15 build slots available. Any unused slots will be open for general reservation 48 hours in advance of the build day. Lunches and special t-shirts will be provided for this celebratory build.
About International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women – while also marking a call to action for accelerating gender equality. The first International Women’s Day occurred in 1911, supported by over one million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere.
International Women’s Day 2020 campaign theme is #EachforEqual. An equal world is an enabled world. A gender equal world can be healthier, wealthier and more harmonious – so what’s not great about that?
Gender equality is essential for economies and communities to thrive. We can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women’s achievements. Collectively, each one of us can help create a gender equal world.
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Skills Workshops
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The highly popular Women Build skills workshops will begin in February 2020.
While the schedule is still being finalized, the following sessions are confirmed. Visit our Event Calendar for more details.
- Intro to Tools | Wednesday, February 5 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
- Basic Plumbing | Tuesday, March 11 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
- Gardening 101 | Tuesday, March 26, 2020 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
- Tiny House Build, Flooring | Wednesday, April 8 | 5:30 – 8:30 PM | *priority registration for members
- Building a Raised Garden Bed | Tuesday, April 14 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
- Tiny House Build, Framing | Saturday, April 25 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | *priority registration for members
- Tiny House Build, Windows & Doors | Wednesday, May 6 | 5:30 – 8:30 PM | *priority registration for members
- Tiny House Build, Roof | Saturday, May 16 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | *priority registration for members
- Tiny Build, Interior | Wednesday, June 3 | 5:30 – 8:30 PM | *priority registration for members
- Tiny Build, Trim & Finish | Saturday, June 20 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | *priority registration for members
Stay tuned for more workshops and/or join the Women Build Facebook group to stay on top of all the news.
Due to the hands-on nature and use of power tools, most Women Build workshops are restricted to attendees 18 and older. All attendees will be asked to sign a waiver upon registration.
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Sponsorship & Dedicated Women Build Days
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Want to bring your team out for a Women Build day? Consider a sponsorship.
We are seeking Women Build sponsors to help us further our 2020 objectives of empowering women to recognize and grow their skills and talents, personally and professionally. Women Build sponsors receive dedicated build days that include Women Build shirts and lunches for participants. For more information on Women Build sponsorships, contact Community Engagement Manager, Tracey Sorenson.
Special thanks to:
History of Women Build
In 1991 a group of women in Charlotte, NC completed the first women-built Habitat for Humanity house, planting the seeds for Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program.
In 1997, first lady Hillary Clinton participated in a Women Build along with the first ladies from Kentucky and Oklahoma.
By 1998, Women Build had become an official Habitat for Humanity program.
The Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity affiliate has been participating in Women Build since 2001. Over 100 women volunteer each year, contributing time and funds to Habitat, as well as support to one another and to Habitat homeowners.
Women Build is growing internationally as well, empowering women everywhere to address poverty housing for themselves, their families, and their neighbors. Dozens of international Women Builds have taken place. The program aims to direct financial assistance to women-led projects worldwide.
Visit Habitat for Humanity International’s website for a comprehensive Women Build History.
