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reqpdbuttonThis project provided intensive customized technical assistance to eight employers and unions on the recruitment integration and retention of women in traditionally male-dominated careers, with an emphasis on Latinas. Employers ranged from police and fire departments to a cable company. IWITTS collaborated with the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) and two NCLR affiliates -- Chicanos Por La Causa in Tucson, Arizona and Youth Development, Inc. in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Funding for the 18-month demonstration project was provided through the United States Department of Labor, Women's Bureau, and the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.


The New Workplace for Women Project

The New Workplace for Women Project (October 1995-March 1997) provided intensive customized technical assistance to eight employers and unions on the recruitment, training and retention of women in traditionally male-dominated jobs, with an emphasis on Latinas. The Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science (IWITTS) collaborated with the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) and two NCLR affiliates - Chicanos Por La Causa in Tucson, Arizona and Youth Development Inc. in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Funding for the 18-month demonstration project was provided through the United States Department of Labor, Women's Bureau, and the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.

womeninlawenforcementposterWorking in high-wage, traditionally male occupations is an important strategy for increasing the economic self-sufficiency of women and the standard of living of their families. Through the New Workplace for Women Project, new strategies were developed for recruiting women, integrating them in the workplace and preventing sexual harassment. Project outcomes included:

The New Workplace for Women Project Model

Phase I: Assessment of Need; Building Support for the Project

A. Assessment of Company's Readiness to Integrate Women into Traditionally Male Jobs

B. Involving Key Stakeholders: Development of the Leadership Team

C. Building Support for the New Workplace for Women Initiative in the Organization

Phase II: Workplan -- Development of Implementation Strategies

Phase III: Customized Technical Assistance & Training on Implementation Strategies

A. Recruitment of Women

B. Competency Building

C. Redesign of Application and Assessment Process

D. Health and Safety

E. Support Strategies for Women

F. Buy-In

G. Resources for the Development or Revision of Company Policies

H. Employer/Union Trainings on Successfully Receiving Women in the Workplace

Phase IV: Employer Institutionalization -- Development of Processes and Mechanisms for Maintaining Changes