Sisters in the Brotherhood

Published purpose

Through this 26-month project, Sisters in the Brotherhood (SIB) will build its capacity to advance gender equality throughout the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners (UBC) in Canada. It will address the barriers faced by women in the construction industry including lack of representation, access to mentorship and a broader network of tradeswomen, access to adapted childcare, and addressing barriers relating to harassment, sexual harassment, and discrimination. It will also strengthen SIB's capacity to engage with women in the construction and drive systemic change within the UBC. This project will include strategic partnership development based on a needs assessment, the formation of new SIB committees from coast to coast to coast, as well as the strengthening of existing ones. It will also enhance the sisters’ network, notably by increasing the capacity of the SIB committees to host events and build networks. In addition, it will develop an advocacy strategy on childcare, and a data collection and analysis strategy. Lastly, it will enhance UBC's recording, reporting and response to incidents of harassment, sexual harassment, and discrimination. All the activities will be conducted with a GBA+ lens. The first supplemental funds will be used to cover expenses for a dedicated support person to maintain administrative tasks. This will aid in streamlining operations, allowing for enhanced outreach and improved project efficiency. With the Supplemental funds and extension provided in early 2026, Sisters in the Brotherhood (SIBCAP) will continue to grow capacity throughout the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners (UBC) in Canada by hosting meetings and trainings, attending conferences related to issues faced by women in construction, enhancing its resource bank, promoting engagement through targeted communications, completing a new round of childcare and harassment surveys, and convening its SME groups to validate findings and inform recommendations. Through this, they will further advance gender equality.