Construction industries are frequently considered to be professions that men dominate. Over time, this work has become increasingly appealing to women, leading to their subsequent employment in the industry.
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Women in the Construction Industry
There are currently a more significant number of women working in architecture, engineering, estimating, superintendents, and project management. They provide value to the workplace and the workplace on the job site, whether wearing hard hats or keeping things orderly behind the scenes. As a result of women's efforts, gender barriers are being broken down and brought down.
In the United States, women earn 82.9 percent of what males do. The wage difference between men and women is substantially lower in the construction industry, with women earning an average of 95.5 % of what males make. Accordingly, 10.9% of all women worked in the construction industry in the United States in 2022, and the journey that led them to that position is frequently different.
Moreover, opportunities for women in the construction industry are expanding alongside their compensation. The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) organizes Women in Construction WeekTM to highlight these opportunities. These events include luncheons, job site tours, lectures to high school courses, and virtual events.
On the other hand, at an early age, Sefora Onye is now a Rosie on the House Certified Partner and the Lead Project Manager at Rosie Right | Design. Build. Remodel., acquired first-hand knowledge in the construction industry. One of the most satisfying aspects of working in the construction industry, according to Sefora, is the opportunity to witness the transformation that may take place. Thus, the thing that she reportedly appreciates the most is being a part of the change that someone else is experiencing and its enormous influence.
Based on the Institute for Women's Policy Research findings, the proportion of women employed in building trades is at its most significant level in the past 20 years. Women are increasing their chances of being promoted to leadership posts and owning their construction enterprises faster.
Also Read: Florida House Approves Bill Allowing Teens on Construction Sites Amid Controversy
Discrimination against Women in the Construction Industry
According to an Institute for Women's Policy Research report, women hold less than 3% of front-line construction occupations. With managers, secretaries, and other white-collar salaried workers, women make up 9.6% of the industry. A study found that over one in ten women surveyed had encountered workplace discrimination sufficiently severe to warrant a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, with three in ten women reporting high levels of harassment.
As mentioned, a few examples of prejudice that were noted in the report included being demoted or not promoted because men were opposed to working under a woman, being given the most challenging labor, being the last to get work and the first to be laid off, getting hit with scaffolding, and getting tires flattened.
Therefore, human resources specialists should reportedly guarantee that every employee understands and complies with federal anti-discrimination statutes. It is possible to obtain technical support for these activities from the Department of Labor of the United States of America. Additionally, human resources may ensure that women have access to restrooms and have the proper equipment, such as hard hats and boots of a smaller size.
Related Article: More Women Are Dominating the Construction Industry Due to High Compensation
