Cathy W.'s Hammer

This hammer offers the ability to repair objects - and systems - that are broken.

When I went into the building trades in the 70s, construction sites were brutal places for women, full of abuse and mistreatment that made me angry.

But I don't scare easily. Encouraged by second-wave feminism, I met women who experienced the world the way I did. We had politics and we had a plan. Some tradespeople became allies who went out of their way to help me.

When I bought this hammer at 19, I recognized it as a simple but important tool for people who want to make this world better. Decades later, I carry it with me as I teach and encourage young tradeswomen.