WEST SALEM, Wis. (WKBT) -- International women’s week celebrates women across the world. One part of the week-long celebration focuses on helping other women. A group of women in the Coulee Region are doing just that.Â
In West Salem, the hands holding power tools don’t belong to your average construction company.Â
“It’s a great opportunity for women to learn from each other, to collaborate alongside each other, and to get experience on a construction site," said Habitat for Humanity's Community Outreach Director, Natalie Heneghan.Â
Every international women’s week, Habitat for Humanity offers women a chance to get their work boots on and start drilling. This is called Women Build. There’s a purpose behind every staple, spackle, and screw.
“Women helping women. People helping people," said Heneghan.Â
Once every drywall is up and every room is finished, the home will go to a nurse and single mom of four.
“A real opportunity for people to give back and seeing people take part in the construction of that home is really exciting," said Heneghan.
For volunteers like DeDe Nelson, this is a chance to take charge.
“It’s always nice to have full independence as much as you can," said Nelson.Â
40 women from all over the Coulee Region are building more than just a home.Â
“I think it’s important for people to see themselves in activities that we might not traditionally see or haven’t historically seen," said Heneghan.Â
These women are building a strong community to lean on.
“Probably the coolest way I've ever celebrated International Women’s Week for sure," said Heneghan.Â
Duaa Israr graduated from DePaul University in June 2021 with a double major in journalism and political science. She was raised in Skokie, Illinois, a suburb right outside Chicago. During her time at DePaul, Duaa wrote for the student-run newspaper The DePaulia and the student-run magazine 14 East. After switching over from print news to broadcast, Duaa worked for the student-run television station, Good Day DePaul. In her free time, Duaa enjoys reading, painting, trying new recipes, and spending time with her family!
