Women in construction remain underrepresented in the construction industry, comprising 14 per cent of the building and construction industry workforce, with 2.6 per cent of those women working in roles on the tools, according to Master Builders Australia.
On a positive note, we continue to see progress as more women join the building and construction sector, and more organisations focus on recruiting and training women for construction jobs.
According to BuildSkills’ Chief Executive Officer Brett Schimming, “in the 15 to 24-year-old age group, there are more females working as construction trades workers [on the tools] than ever before”.
Many factors, such as cultural issues, job discrimination and sexual harassment, continue to present extraordinary challenges for women in the construction industry. Angela Hucker, founder and catalyst at Empowering People in Construction (EPIC) is a role model with more than two decades of construction industry experience.
Hucker said: “The whole industry needs a significant culture change, but to positively affect change, everyone needs to be part of the solution.”
“This includes providing training for women, and all executives and managers, at an operational level. Women need greater support so companies need to invest in specialised services for their female employees,” said Hucker.
Overcoming barriers for women in construction
These ANZ organisations are focused on helping women overcome barriers to joining the construction workforce – through mentoring opportunities, connecting workers to female role models and advocates, and working with construction industry leaders to create safe and inclusive working environments.
- The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is an Australian, non-profit organisation that provides its members with networking, professional development and mentoring opportunities, with the vision of “an equitable construction industry, for all.” The organisation also drafts blogs on topics, such as the construction industry and mental health, advocating for equitable facilities, and more topics of interest to women in the industry.
- Women Building Australia is focused on advancing women in the building and construction arena by promoting opportunities for women and employers, and providing the information and support they need. For example, the organisation’s Women Building Australia Influencers are trades-people who “understand and experience the realities of working in the industry, are immensely successful and have great passion for building and construction.” The group also fosters and supports female-led construction businesses, and organises an ambassadorship program where female leaders share personal success stories to encourage other women in the industry.
- Trade Careers NZ is dedicated to increasing the participation of women in the trades by offering support and creating pathways into traditionally male-dominated industries. The group offers a robust website of resources and is focused on employer support, career growth, advocacy and awareness, fostering a respectful workplace, mentorship and education.
Addressing the gender pay gap
The Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) notes that while construction employers are taking steps to address the gender pay gap, there is still much more work to be done. According to WGEA, here are ways that business can reduce the gender pay gap:
- undertake a gender pay gap analysis if one has not been done recently;
- actively consider the impact that unconscious bias may be having on recruitment, promotions, and succession planning;
- incorporate opportunities for working part-time or under flexible work arrangements;
- provide support for employees who have family caring responsibilities;
- offer mentoring and talent identification programs;
- provide opportunities for networking.
Supporting and advancing women in construction careers
Hucker advises: “Working as a minority, it’s important that women have the right support wrapped around them so they can advance professionally.
“This can be as simple as providing coaching sessions or having them join LinkedIn networks. That’s key to retention.”
Chamika Ingilizian is manager, professional services, at Trimble. She helps Trimble construction customers in the APAC region refine challenging business processes through connected construction software solutions.
