Bridging the gender gap in construction

‘Nothing changes if nothing changes.’ It’s a real theme you’ll hear from anyone striving for gender equality in construction, particularly those at the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). 

It doesn’t apply to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) concerning the ratio of men to women working in construction though, because something has changed.

The percentage of women working in construction has increased from less than 15% to around 17% in the past year or so, which – as statistics go – is equal parts positive and misleading.  

In absolute numbers, there are now less women working in construction than there were two years ago. The primary reason for the increase in ratio of women to men working in the sector is the falling number of men working in construction-based roles.

The ONS figures also highlight the gender gap in roles across the construction sector, with the number of women working in certain roles being left undetermined (and unreported) as figures are too low to be officially recorded.

In my view, the answer to increasing the representation of women in construction does not lie in reducing the existing representation of men in the sector, particularly at a time where economic growth in the sector – although slowing in some areas – has continued for its fourth consecutive year. 

Increasing numbers in one group while another comes down creates a false dichotomy and will not assist gender equity. But the NAWIC #BridgingtheGap campaign will. 

We are confident that the answer to gender equality in construction lies in making the industry more accessible for all.

We’re striving to encourage more women (and men) aged 16 and over to consider careers in construction so that the representation of women working in construction can increase in real terms.

This means the number of women working as civil engineers, electricians, carpenters, joiners, ground workers, construction operatives and the like can reach a stage where it is at least recorded by the ONS. 

Olivia Jenkins is co-chair of NAWIC (Midlands) and senior associate at Trowers and Hamlins.