ARLINGTON, Va. (WUSA) - Construction is typically a male-dominated industry, but a group of women took over a construction site in Arlington on Wednesday as part of National Women Build Week.
"We feel united and strong. We can do anything. We are women!" said Susan Omasta, a Habitat for Humanity volunteer.
Omasta isn't shy when it comes to recruiting women for Habitat for Humanity's Women Build Program, but this is actually her first time working on a construction site.
"I work in retail," said Omasta.
On Wednesday, Omasta and about 30 other women got their hands dirty helping build affordable housing for low-income families.
"We're putting up insulation today," said Omasta. "It gets in your face, in your eyes, but guess what? At the end of the day it washes away, and you've done something really great that you're proud of."
When the building is complete, it will house twelve different families. One of them is the Moldanado family.
"I am happy for this day. Many, many women help me," said Rosie Moldanado, who also pitched in.
"This is really great because the satisfaction that you get from knowing that someone is going to benefit from your hard work. It's so exciting," said Omasta.
More than 1,650 Habitat for Humanity Homes in the United States have been built by female construction crews.
"People need to know that women can do this too," said Omasta. "Just do it. Do it for yourself. Do it for your children. You're strong and you can get out there and do what any of the guys can do."
Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia says they hope to break ground in one year on a new home which will be built entirely by women.