The age old conversation but still not enough being done to change the workforce

The ongoing conversation about women in construction has persisted for decades, driven by the stark reality that women make up only 13% of the construction workforce.

Having been told so many times that I'm now overqualified but lack experience in the industry, I'm questioning again how can you gain the experience if no one wants to take you on?

To point out again that I wouldn't have been able to gain my qualifications without the knowledge and prior experiences is almost too simple. But my main point is if the industry is struggling so much to close that diverse gender gap, why are women not being given more open opportunities? And not just in admin/ HR roles?

Let's look at some of the facts; Women working in construction in the UK face several challenges and opportunities. Here are some key facts about women in the construction industry in the UK:

1. Representation: Women make up a small minority of the construction workforce in the UK, accounting for around 13% of all workers in the industry. This percentage has been slowly increasing over the years but remains significantly lower compared to other sectors.
   

2. Occupational Distribution: Women in construction are often concentrated in certain roles, such as administrative positions, design, planning, and project management. They are less represented in on-site construction roles like bricklaying, plumbing, and electrical work.
   

3. Gender Pay Gap: The construction industry has one of the largest gender pay gaps in the UK. On average, women in construction earn significantly less than their male counterparts, even when comparing roles with similar responsibilities and qualifications.
   

4. Barriers to Entry: Women may face barriers when entering and advancing in the construction industry, including stereotypes, bias, and a lack of visible role models. There may also be challenges related to workplace culture, access to training, and career progression opportunities.
   

5. Support Networks: Despite the challenges, there are initiatives and support networks aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in construction. These include mentorship programs, networking groups, and campaigns to raise awareness about women in construction.
   

6. Skills and Contributions: Women bring valuable skills and perspectives to the construction industry, such as attention to detail, communication abilities, and problem-solving skills. Their presence contributes to more diverse and innovative project teams.
   

7. Career Development: Efforts are being made to encourage more women to pursue careers in construction through education, apprenticeships, and targeted recruitment programs. Increasing diversity in the industry is seen as crucial for addressing skills shortages and driving innovation.
   

While progress is being made to improve gender diversity in construction, there is still much work to be done to create an inclusive and equitable environment where women can thrive and contribute fully to the industry's success.

Maybe I'm wrong and there's a whole field of women leading the way, opening doors. Be great to hear from you and how you got into your role. Or is it that women in construction are still a rarity like unicorn poop?