In 2024, about 1 in 7 jobs has gone to women. With March 2–8 being dedicated to Women in Construction Week (WIC), now is the time to recognize and remove the barriers that exist for hiring more women and also learn how companies can promote the industry.
Barriers that Exist for Hiring Women
The challenges of working in a male-dominated industry are many.
- Sexual Harassment. Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant issue for women in construction. According to a survey from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR), 26.5% of female construction workers report they are always or frequently harassed for being a woman and 23.6% say they always or frequently face sexual harassment.
- Lack of Flexibility for Childcare. Many women working in construction are mothers. Half have children younger than 19 and 21.9% have children younger than 6, according to IWPR. Construction’s long days and irregular schedules can be challenging when trying to find childcare.
- Ill-Fitting PPE. Safety equipment isn’t one-size-fits-all and typically doesn’t fit women well, which can put them at risk while on the job. According to the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), it’s important for construction companies to invest in PPE for women, not just smaller versions designed for men.
- Unequal Treatment. One of the biggest concerns for women is unequal treatment and frustration with management. IWPR found that nearly four in 10 respondents are thinking about leaving construction because problems they raised were not taken seriously. Others report the lack of effective follow-up when issues were raised.
Companies need to address these issues if they want to hire and retain female workers.
Initiatives that Support Women
The construction industry is facing a workforce shortage, and young people are increasingly steering away from it. Surveys indicate that 63% of young adults wouldn’t consider a career in construction, often citing concerns about physical demands and job difficulty. However, the industry offers a wide range of opportunities, and women can play a crucial role in filling these gaps. Developing and implementing initiatives that support women in construction is an excellent way to showcase the industry and what it has to offer.
Get Involved in Local Schools
One of the most effective ways to encourage more young women to explore construction careers is by volunteering at local schools. Participate in career fairs and talk to students about the diverse career paths available within the industry. Highlight success stories of women in construction and show how they have built rewarding careers.
Host Hands-On Workshops
Many people associate construction with physically demanding labor, but the industry offers much more than that. From project management to safety oversight and leadership roles, there are plenty of opportunities that don’t require manual labor. Organizing workshops can give young women a chance to develop practical industry skills and understand the broad range of career paths available to them.
Offer Workplace Tours
Seeing is believing, and one of the best ways to inspire future female construction workers is by offering tours of your company. Showcase the women already working in various construction roles to demonstrate firsthand that it’s an accessible and welcoming field. Consider making these tours a regular part of WIC and extending them throughout the year to maximize impact.
Refine Your Recruitment Strategy
Attracting more women to the construction industry starts with inclusive hiring practices. Ensure job descriptions use gender-neutral language by replacing terms like “he” or “she” with “the candidate” or “the applicant.” Avoid language that leans heavily masculine (e.g., “competitive” or “driven”) or overly feminine (e.g., “trustworthy” or “flexible”), as this can unconsciously influence who applies.
Support Female Employees Through Networking
Encouraging women in construction to build professional networks can help them grow in their careers. Consider sponsoring memberships for your female employees in organizations such as NAWIC. These groups provide mentorship, training, and support to help women advance in the industry.
By taking these steps, you can help break down barriers and create a more inclusive, diverse, and thriving construction workforce. (Find events here: Women in Construction Week events.)
