JUPITER, Fla. — A group of women are highlighting the importance of International Women's Day.
A team of 12 women, who are Bank of America employees, are the first of roughly 50 groups building two homes in Jupiter for families in need.
"We have fallen on the ground working, we have sweat together," said Fabiola Brumley, the President of the West Palm Beach market of Bank of America. "Some of us who had a fear of heights said you know what, I'm taking this on. So the bravery and the courageous women that were out here today, we have hurdled a lot of obstacles."
Their timing is just as important as their goal. This is the fifth year they've partnered with Habitat For Humanity to build homes on International Women's Day.
"I love doing home building," said Tracy Cooper, a volunteer. "And especially being all women here today to do this event."
The Center For Construction and Research reports women are underrepresented in construction, accounting for only 9 percent of the workforce.
These women in Jupiter hope their efforts change that.
"I would really like to see more women get involved in construction," said Jennifer Davidson with Habitat For Humanity of Palm Beach County. "It's really common when women come to our sites in the morning. They're afraid of the power tools. They don't want to get up on the ladder. And by the end of the day they feel empowered and they're using the nail gun and they're using the power tools and they're climbing up in the trusses and I really would love to have more women experience that confidence that comes with getting out and doing it."
It will take all 50 teams, comprised of mostly women, several months to complete the job.
The homes should be ready for move-in by mid-Summer.
