Women In Construction. And Why Not ?

Just why is the construction industry still so institutionally sexist? Other single sex industries and professions have managed to move on, for example fire fighters, nurses and the armed forces have all now got healthier mixes and equal recruitment. The building industry, despite the odd encouraging initiative still remains unable to embrace equality beyond office based or secretarial roles. 

In Context

New figures show the construction sector made a positive contribution to the UK’s gross domestic product growth in the second quarter of the year. Figures released by the Office for National Statistics have showed construction output leapt 4.6% higher month-on-month in April and remained flat in May. The figures put the sector on track for growth of more than 2 per cent for the second quarter, which is set to contribute to overall output figures for the economy.

So within today’s climate, the UK construction industry is still one of the country's largest and most important employers. It is worth billions, provides 7% of the UK's gross domestic product and employs around 1.4 million people.

A recent report by the Equal Opportunities Commission found that while women make up 49% of the total UK workforce they hold just 9% of all construction jobs. This 9% breaks down into :

• 1%   Trades-people 
• 2%   Sole traders 
• 4%   Micro-enterprises (employing 1-10 people)
• 10% Working in design and management 
• 84% Secretarial

So at least 94% are non-site-based women without a trade.

Most of us are probably not shocked by these unsurprising figures. Most people, when picturing a building site have an image of a group of men wearing hard hats and yellow vests, perving over the occasional passing female with a complimentary wolf whistle or an equally endearing ‘alright love’, she is the only female in the image.  

Construction appears to be the industry that was left behind in a cloud of male preference and female submission. But why is it that there are so few females and what are the major deterrents for women entering the construction industry?

Dangerous

We’re well into the 21st Century now, so why is the image mentioned above of the construction industry still generally accepted as the norm. It can’t be the dangers of the job. If it’s okay for females to now make up over 10% of the operational army; for them to be fully fledged fighter pilots; for them to put their lives at risk putting fires out or to be right at the front in full riot gear during disturbances on our streets, then working on a building site shouldn’t be an issue.  

Recruitment

Do employers make a point of not recruiting women as they are seen as the ‘weaker sex’? Or is it just because women don’t see themselves working in a traditionally male dominated industry? 

Most construction industry companies make no special focus on recruiting more women to their company. But surely this is right, their sex shouldn’t impact on someone’s ability to do a job.

Talking to some women who have chosen a career in construction, 85% referred to an interest in building and engineering, some saw good career prospects; some it was simply the fact that they wanted to do something a bit ‘different’ with their life. These are all good indicators of enthusiasm and commitment for the choices they had made. They also show a willingness to work in the industry. 

So recruitment doesn’t appear to be the issue. Women can get training and jobs, just not enough of them are doing. 

It’s worth remembering that during the 1990s and early 2000s the numbers of women entering the construction industry increased dramatically to a stage where there are as many women construction managers as there are receptionists, however women still make-up only 4% of all construction managers.

Deterrents

When asked in an industry survey what deters women from working in construction, they themselves point to a mixture of the ‘male dominated environment’, ‘long hours’, ‘working conditions’ and ‘not child friendly’ culture.

So while it’s generally agreed that employers should and do recruit on merit (rather than ‘positively discriminating’ for women) it is clear that many women don’t apply for construction jobs in the first place because of the acknowledged deterrents. 

Companies that are addressing these perceived issues such as working hours and the working environment to improve things for their female employees need to promote this to future candidates if they want to benefit from a more diverse workforce.

Male Dominated Environment

This is true in the construction industry whether site or office based. Perception is that that all men in the industry refuse to work with women. This is not the case at all, the real issue is that a few men who don’t want to work with women can make the working environment hostile and potentially dangerous. That their behaviour is still tolerated, at best dismissed, does nothing to make the workplace safer.

Women acting as ‘one-of-the-boys’ in order to prove themselves can work but it shouldn’t have to. I found this quote from a female site operative on an on-line forum which seems to sum the reality up:-

“I recently started working on construction sites and I never feel welcome. As a result I am not very friendly, I am reluctant to talk to others. I am afraid if I am too nice men will take it as an invitation to flirt as a result I find I am always very short with people and sometimes quite rude. I guess I am confused with how to behave, in what I am quickly finding to be the most un-female friendly work environment possible. I never would have imagined it would be this uncomfortable”

My advice to this young lady would be to hang in there. It will get better, but you have to be tough. Focus on your work and with time you will see that your work ethic will guide you. The solution isn’t to ignore it or try to out do the men by effing and blinding and being overly aggressive.

It won't be easy, but suffering in silence is not the best option. It may take a while to find your voice, but you shouldn’t be afraid to speak up for yourself. Part of the issue is that many men on construction sites don't even know when they’re being intimidating, too forward, or insulting.  If you don't feel comfortable speaking up right away, find a friendly co-worker and talk to them about what you are going through. Even one experienced colleague can make a world of difference and don’t forget, companies have processes to address these issues head on.

Women deserve to be respected not just in a male-dominated place, but in any industry as well. Be it discriminatory remarks, sexual harassment or bullying, women should not be afraid to stand up because it is their right to be treated equally.

Architects, Engineers and Contractors

It's not much different back in the office where women are still the great minority. I’ve seen examples in a recent meeting of a female being ignored by a director despite her saying exactly the same as her male colleague. The director would only engage in conversion with the male, the female being viewed merely as admin. 

As a massive generalization, women do tend to be more methodical, more pleasant to deal with and they have a better eye for detail in design. Big growth could come in more office based but technical roles for females, though I'm still not sure how we encourage more young women to become architects, engineers, and contractors.

Woman’s role within the industry is further inhibited by the fact that there are few women in positions of seniority within the construction industry. Women are often overlooked for promotion in favour of ‘jobs-for-the-boys’.

I’ve always actively encouraged women in the industry having taken on and mentored three, all have whom have gone on to grow their careers further. I also actively encourage a very capable colleague who works alongside me to push herself further, including attending ‘Women In Construction’ events. 

What Do I Think ?

Well I’ve worked in construction for nearly 30 years and I’d like to say women have been a fantastic addition to the industry. I also think that if the best person for a job happens to be a woman, so what? I’ve worked (and still do) with extremely talented women at various levels within various companies. Success should always be based on how well you do the job not whether you're male or female.

The construction industry can be a great career choice for men and women who enjoy being active in their job.  Don’t forget, that for every man that demeans women colleagues, there are dozens more who support them. For every man that makes a sexist comment, there are plenty who respect women and value their work. For every man that harasses a woman, there are hundreds more who protect their colleagues.

The issue is not that all men refuse to work with women, the issue is that a choice few don’t, make the working environment hostile and dangerous for women. Those few that harass women have the power to ruin their day, mess with their mind, and destroy their self confidence. To combat this, we need to increase the number of women in the construction industry so that they are not a rarity. We must also encourage the unions and construction employers to include sexual harassment training as part of their health and safety plans and employees to encourage more flexible, ‘family friendly’ working hours. Women deserve to have access to skilled trades, and they deserve to be respected as an equal fellow colleague.

Society Needs To Change

Of course the solution doesn’t solely lie with the construction industry to make changes to accommodate women. We must change the way we bring our daughters up! If we continue to encourage our daughters to be ‘girly-girls’, all meek, quiet and passive then yes, discriminatory practice will continue. But, if we raise our daughters to be female and tough (and I don't mean raise our girls to be boys), we will certainly see the shift in these fields to accommodate more women!

Today’s world is a time characterised by freedom of speech and supposed equality in the developed world. However, it appears that the construction industry is stuck in a time warp and still has a significant amount of catching up to do.