The Role of Women in the Construction Industry of the 21st Century
The construction industry has traditionally been a male-dominated field, but more and more women are breaking into the industry and making a name for themselves. Women in construction bring a unique perspective and set of skills to the table, and their contributions are vital to the success of the industry. Despite the progress that has been made, women still face many challenges when entering the construction industry. They may experience discrimination or lack of support from their male colleagues and may struggle to find mentorship or role models within the industry. However, many organizations and initiatives have been created to support and promote women in construction, and the number of women entering the industry is on the rise.
Lack of representation
One of the major challenges that women in construction face is the lack of representation in leadership positions, which is true in all industries. According to the National Women’s Business Council, women make up just 9% of executive officers in the construction industry. This lack of representation can make it difficult for women to find mentors and role models in the industry, and can also lead to a lack of diversity in decision-making.
Find new role models
Despite these challenges, many women in the construction industry have achieved great success. Some notable examples include
- Grace Kim, the founding principal of the architecture firm Scrafano Architects, who is known for her innovative designs and commitment to sustainability.
- Karen Wry, the founder, and CEO of Wryco Construction, which is a company that specializes in construction services for healthcare facilities.
- Joanna Frank, the president, and CEO of the Center for Active Design, which is a nonprofit organization that promotes health and wellness through design.
In addition to these high-profile examples, there are many women working in all areas of the construction industry, from project management and engineering to trades and developing and using professional software for builders that makes all these processes much easier and more precise. They bring a unique perspective and set of skills to the table, and their contributions are vital to the success of the industry.
Women supporting each other
Many organizations and initiatives have been created to support and promote women in construction. For example, the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is a professional organization that provides networking and educational opportunities for women in the industry. The Women in Construction Institute (WCI) is another organization that aims to provide training and mentorship to women in the industry.
In addition to these organizations, many companies in the construction industry have implemented diversity and inclusion programs to promote women in the industry. For example, Turner Construction has a Women’s Initiative that provides networking and mentorship opportunities for women in the company. Similarly, Skanska has a Women in Leadership program that provides training and support for women in leadership roles.
What to do next?
In order to continue to promote women in the construction industry, it’s important to continue to support organizations and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion. It’s also important to continue to provide mentorship and networking opportunities for women in the industry. Companies should also be encouraged to implement diversity and inclusion programs and actively work to promote women in leadership roles.
Moreover, it is important to acknowledge that not just the construction industry but all industries should strive for equality and diversity. The construction industry should make a conscious effort to recruit and hire more women and should provide equal opportunities for career advancement. Furthermore, it is important to create a work environment that is inclusive and welcoming for all employees, regardless of gender.
As you can see, women in the construction industry bring a unique perspective and set of skills to the table, and their contributions are vital to the success of the industry. Despite the challenges they may face, many women have achieved great success in the industry. By supporting organizations and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, providing mentorship and networking opportunities, and implementing diversity and inclusion programs within companies, we can do more for women of the future than we can understand right now!
