CSS Supports Equality And Recognizes Women’s Achievements in Tennessee

We recognize International Women’s Day on March 8th annually, to highlight the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. In Tennessee, this day provides an opportunity to celebrate the many contributions of women to our state, and to reflect on the progress we have made towards achieving gender equality in the workplace.

According to the US Census Bureau, there are approximately 3.3 million women living here, representing just over half of the state’s population. Despite this, our women continue to face many challenges in their work lives, that only ethical hirers like Construction Support Services (CSS) always aim to address for workers. The two primary concerns that usually arise are: pay inequality and underrepresentation in decision making.

One of CSS’ contractors recently reported that for her the most significant challenge of the two is pay inequality. According to the National Women’s Law Center, women in Tennessee earn just 81 cents for every dollar earned by men, with an even greater pay gap for women of color. This would mean that women in Tennessee must work longer hours and take on more debt to achieve the same standard of living as men.

Despite the challenges, our women have made significant progress in recent years towards achieving gender equality. In 2018, our state even elected its first female senator, Marsha Blackburn.

And Tennessee has produced global trailblazing female icons in the music industry, like Dolly Parton and Tina Turner. Dolly was born in the mountains of East Tennessee and overcame poverty by composing over 3,000 songs! While Tina was born in the tiny town of Nutbush and spent her early years there, developing the top mettle that has kept her in the music game for over four decades!

Historic firsts are a testament to the hard work and dedication of trailblazing women, who are fighting for greater representation and opportunities in all aspects of work and public life.

CSS sent a message to its contractors and clients on International Women’s Day, reaffirming its commitment to supporting and empowering women in Tennessee and around the world. The company encouraged other employers statewide to make similar commitments.

CSS’ General Manager, Terry Woodson launched the Jobs Interface platform this year, providing equal recruitment access to both men and women.

Whether it’s advocating for pay parity or supporting women in leadership positions, we all have a role to play in creating a more just and equitable world”, Woodson said.

CSS and some of the corporate entities across Tennessee took a moment to celebrate the achievements of women in the state. Indeed even on the eve of International Woman’s Day yesterday, Elst Brewing Company in Knoxville honored the occasion by hosting an event led by their head brewer, Ally Duffy.

Ally is the head brewer at Elst and is the only one in Knoxville and Knox County, she’s also one of just three in East Tennessee. The trailblazer hosted an event to Celebrate International Women’s Day, and the role women play in brewing.

It was just an effort to get women and non-binary folks interested in craft beer production,” she said.

Other business owners also recommitted to working towards a future where all women can thrive and reach their full potential. The message of “equality” continues to be a mantra for International Women’s Day in Tennessee, and indeed globally.