Female Tilers

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of women working in previously male-dominated fields, including the construction industry. While there is still much progress to be made in terms of gender equality within this sector, there have been some positive changes that suggest we are moving in the right direction.  

Historically, the construction industry has been male-dominated. Even today, women still face discrimination and prejudice when working within the construction industry. Some of the discrimination includes sexism, harassment, and exclusion. This often creates an unwelcoming environment for women that they do not want to be a part of. They may be made to feel as though they are not taken seriously or that they do not belong. Unfortunately, this type of discrimination often leads to women being underrepresented in the industry. 

This kind of discrimination can have a significant impact on a woman's career prospects, as well as their mental health and overall job satisfaction. It can also make it difficult for women to build networks and gain the same kind of industry connections that their male colleagues enjoy. The construction industry, especially for those who are self-employed is notorious for its strain on workers' mental health due to the nature of the job.  

There is also a common misconception that women are too fragile to withstand the manual labour strain that is required for a job within the construction industry. Thinking that women are not strong enough to work in the construction industry is a misconception that is based on gender stereotypes and biases. It is important to understand that physical strength is not the only factor that determines a person's ability to work in the construction industry. There are many tasks in the industry that require skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication. Women can possess these skills just as much as men can. 

However, despite these challenges, there has been a steady increase in the number of women working in the construction industry in recent years. According to the National Women's Law Center, the percentage of women working in construction increased from 9.9% in 2011 to 10.3% in 2018. While this may seem like a small increase, it represents a significant shift in a traditionally male-dominated field. 

So why are more women entering the construction industry? One possible reason is that there is greater awareness of the benefits of diversity in the workplace. Studies have shown that diverse teams are more productive, innovative, and better equipped to solve complex problems. As such, there is increasing recognition that having more women in the construction industry can only be a good thing for the sector as a whole. 

Another possible reason for the increase in female construction workers is the changing nature of work itself. As more jobs become automated, there is a growing need for skilled tradespeople who can work on complex, physical tasks that require a human touch. This has created new opportunities for women, who may have previously been excluded from these kinds of roles. 

One positive aspect of the construction industry is that the gender pay gap is much less pronounced than in other industries. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women in construction earn 99.1% of what their male colleagues earn. This suggests that there is a greater degree of pay equity within the sector than in many other fields. There are several possible explanations for why the gender pay gap is narrower in construction. One reason may be that the work is more standardized, which makes it easier to compare pay across different roles. Additionally, many construction jobs are governed by collective bargaining agreements, which can help to ensure that workers are paid equally regardless of gender. 

It seems likely that we will continue to see more women working within the construction industry. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure women can thrive in their roles and reach their full potential. We need to support female tradespeople and actively work to address gender discrimination in the workplace. This could look like implementing training programs to help managers and colleagues recognize and address biases, or creating mentorship programs to help women build networks and gain valuable industry connections. 

Another key factor in supporting women in the construction industry is to provide opportunities for career advancement. This might involve creating pathways for women to move into leadership positions or providing training and support to help them develop new skills and take on more challenging roles. It is important to acknowledge and celebrate the women who have paved the way for the next generation of female construction workers. From the trailblazers who first entered the industry decades ago to the women who are breaking new ground today, their contributions have helped to create a more inclusive and welcoming industry for everyone. 

The construction industry has come a long way in the past few decades. Although there is still discrimination and prejudice, there has been a steady increase in the number of female construction workers. Women in the industry benefit from a reduced gender pay gap, and the future for women in the construction industry is promising. As we continue to make progress, it’s important to recognize and thank those who have paved the way for us. We must continue to support and encourage one another as we work towards gender equality within the industry.