Even if there has been an increase in the number of women working in the construction industry, they are still targeted for discrimination. Find out more about the most difficult challenges faced by women in the construction industry.
(Photo : Pexels/Mikael Blomkvist )
Safety
The construction site is one of the most hazardous zones in which one can perform one's job duties. When it comes to the overall number of fatal work injuries, the organization holds the highest ranking. The construction industry is also widely recognized as a less secure environment for female workers. They are becoming less of a priority regarding their safety as the proportion of women working in the business continues to rise. Moreover, many construction businesses still require more specialized fits for women, which results in an increased risk of injury for women when they are working on the job site.
Gender Segregation
Men make up the significant majority of the workers present at a construction site. This makes women feel uneasy about working in this area, a severe problem. One survey found that around one-third of women have been hesitant to enter the construction industry owing to their worry about being treated differently because of their gender.
It is possible for there to be harassment, and there is also the possibility that punishment will not be implemented. A project leader or business proprietor is responsible for providing orientation and education to all individuals concerning the significance of respect, irrespective of gender and authenticity.
Stereotypes
There is a widespread misconception in the construction industry that working in the field requires one to get their hands dirty. Bricklaying and the framework of structures are simply two aspects of construction; there are many more. Anyone can still be involved in the sector by working as a subcontractor, designer, project manager, architect, or any other profession.
On the other hand, many women continue to believe that the sector has little to offer them. If they were only aware of the currently open roles, they would be anxious to secure the position as soon as possible. Therefore, if you have a construction company that employs remarkable women workers, you should challenge the misconceptions about them.
Also Read: 8 Ways to Prevent Fire Hazards in Construction Site
Going Back to Work After the Maternity Leave
Women face several significant obstacles when entering the construction industry, one of the most prominent being maternity leave. In the United Kingdom, the statistics indicate that just 15% of construction companies provide their female employees with over 18 weeks of mandatory maternity leave, while the average for the entire country is 27 %.
Although 44% of women in the United Kingdom are employed part-time, only 5% are used in construction. Accordingly, construction firms need to offer adequate time and opportunities for women to take maternity leave or return to work without difficulty.
Limited access to training
One of the most critical aspects of career advancement is having access to training opportunities. Nevertheless, women working in this sector can experience difficulties in this area, and they might find themselves on the margins of training opportunities. This could be due to a lack of understanding about the programs already in place or institutional hurdles that accidentally remove them.
Work-life challenges
Building tasks typically involve long hours and unpredictable timetables because of the stringent regulations that must be met. As the primary caregivers for their families, women face a unique challenge in both their professional and personal lives. It might be difficult to balance job goals and family obligations. Developing a culture that values work-life balance, promoting policies encouraging families, and instituting flexible work arrangements are all crucial.
Related Article: Construction Opportunities: Women's Increasing Role Reshapes Building Industry
