When it comes to Australia’s construction sector, 88% or more of all workers are men. It comes as no surprise that construction is one of our country’s more heavily male-dominated industries, as it is worldwide.
Take a look at these figures of female construction workforce participation across the globe and what Germany is planning to boost female participation:
2 Benefits of Increasing Women’s Involvement in Construction
1. Research from various industry sectors has shown boards which include women representatives outperform male-only boards time and time again.
2. Another body of research has concluded that a more equal and diverse workforce encourages the discussion and of a wider range of opinions and innovative, productive ideas.
Why are Women under Represented in Construction?
The reasons for female under-representation are complex and varied. The research points to factors which have contributed a lot to discouraging women from taking up construction careers:
1. A very masculinised culture
2. Hidden and open discrimination in the workplace
3. Less networking opportunities
4. Cultures which promote working long hours
5. Unconscious bias & stereotypes about females being unsuitable for such labour
Recent research also shows women working in construction are less likely to ask for a promotion, find less role models to aspire to and encounter informal and formal employment practices which are a barrier to their career progression.