women in construction.

Has the construction industry changed in your 20 years of service?

It has changed for the better. It has changed the image for construction. When I started, I think I was the only female site manager around. The bigger companies don’t want to be seen as they used to. The wolf-whistling has stopped, for example, but attitudes on site still remain and it’ll take a few years to bridge the gap for women in construction.

Have you ever felt that you were discriminated against?

I didn’t have as many problems in county council but you can’t change attitudes on site. I do still get the odd subcontractor – you can tell instantly anyone who isn't going to like the seat you’re sat in because you’re a woman. It is rare but it still happens.

What are some of the issues that are still within the industry?

There’s a big divide still. The industry lacks and doesn’t tend to push women. I have more qualifications than most but I won’t be pushed. Women in construction are not promoted half as much as they should be. They are more often office-based but those in that environment are not pushed as much. As well as this, the industry isn’t advertised enough from a school age.

How do you think the industry sees women?

It still has a lot to learn. Men have been so used to being the dominating gender in the industry; they may feel a little bit threatened. The industry has a deeply rooted culture that is difficult to change and we are some years away from equality for women in construction.

What needs to change in the industry?

We need to highlight the certain issues or situations that arise. Then it goes back to culture and sowing seeds within it to grow a sustainable working environment for everyone. Women also need to build rapport and relationships with those they are working with. In my role, everything is about trust so I need to build trusting relationships with the men and women I work with in the industry.

Has the industry improved in your time in it?

Stigmas around women in construction have absolutely improved in the six-and-a-half years I’ve been in the industry. There are enough events and campaigns like women in engineering and WICE (Women in Construction and Engineering Awards), to help drive the solution. The door is definitely open.

A third of companies in 2021 didn’t monitor gender pay gaps in their organisations – does this statistic surprise you?

I feel the bigger question is what is making employers pay women less in the first place? As a competent manager, you should be fully aware of any disparity in pay between male and female staff. The question is why, today, are managers deliberately paying women less? What possible, acceptable reason is there for this? The accountability needs to fall into the hands of line managers and those in leadership roles.

On average, one in every five construction company board members is a woman – so what could increased equality bring to the industry?

Women bring a different skillset – not better, different. In many ways construction is still very much stuck in the last century with regards to its efficiency in planning, managing and organising. It is my opinion after 28 years working in the construction industry that, until we bring in more women who can do these things, we won't improve the industry in these areas. Too many areas of construction are still too much of an ‘old boys’ network’.

76% of women believe they have been passed over for promotion and 20% of clients have never promoted a woman to a senior position. Why?

Some women in construction are being passed over for promotion due to discrimination – clear and simple. But trying to uncover the truth about why these women are being overlooked by hiring managers isn’t so clear-cut. We need to address the issues and the fears surrounding promoting women into senior positions. I can only assume it is fear that stops them from allowing female progression, although I would love to see some research that drills down into the why.