Women in construction: building a better future in the industry

An increasing number of women are working in traditionally male-dominated fields. In construction, however, women still only account for about 10 percent of the industry’s total workforce in the United States.

The challenges
Construction remains one of the country’s most male-dominated professions. As in many industries, issues such as gender bias, sexual harassment and a lack of proper resources persist and play a role in the underrepresentation of women. For example, most protective equipment worn by construction workers is designed for men, which puts women more at risk for work-related injuries.

The resources
Fortunately, numerous organizations exist to facilitate the integration and success of women in the industry through bursaries, mentorship programs, networking events, professional workshops, advocacy, and more. These groups include the National Association of Women in Construction (nawic.org), Professional Women in Construction (pwcusa.org), and Women Construction Owners & Executives USA (wcoeusa.org).

Visit their websites to find out how you can pursue a rewarding career in construction, or contact a local recruitment agency to learn about opportunities in your area.