Imagine a construction site: the loud rumble of heavy machinery, the sharp clang of hammers striking steel. The scent of freshly sawn timber fills the air as a team of tradespeople, clad in bright high-visibility vests and gleaming hard hats, are hard at work.
Now, ask yourself, how many of these workers did you imagine as women?
Despite making up half the population, women make up just 15% of the 2.12 million people in the UK construction workforce. And only 10% of these women are from ethnic minority backgrounds, facing intersecting challenges that go beyond gender alone.
It’s true, the industry has made some progress in recent years, but growth remains slow. It’s a stagnation that calls for real, meaningful intervention.
So, why is the representation of women in construction still so low? Let’s explore some of the most significant challenges involved, and what we’re doing to better support women.
Cultural and Societal Norms
Many people have long viewed construction as a male-dominated field. And that’s often due to its physical demands, and the persistent, negative stereotypes about women’s physical abilities. Studies show that these perceptions discourage a staggering 57% of women from pursuing a career in the field.
Lack of Awareness and Encouragement
Women are underrepresented in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, with only 31% of STEM students in the UK being women. As part of the wider STEM umbrella, construction often flies under the radar. Schools and media often fail to present construction as a viable or attractive option to women and girls, resulting in limited access to training or apprenticeship opportunities.
An Undesirable Work Environment
In a study carried out by Ranstad, it was found that a staggering 72% of women in construction experienced gender discrimination and/or inappropriate behaviour. This, coupled with a lack of female representation, creates an unwelcoming work culture for women.
Challenging Work-Life Balance
Women, on average, handle more than double the amount of unpaid domestic labour. Meaning the demands of home life and duties like childcare, cleaning and looking after relatives are largely dealt with by women. So balancing these responsibilities with the demanding hours and travel requirements of many on-site construction jobs can be particularly challenging for women.
It’s clear that the construction industry continues to exclude women, not due to lack of interest, but because of systemic issues.
Outdated stereotypes, low visibility, and lack of support act as deeply rooted barriers in the industry.
And real change will take more than just good intentions.
It requires challenging deeply engrained stereotypes and creating inclusive opportunities that make the industry genuinely accessible to all women.
Women Construct Wales: Breaking Barriers in Construction
Supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, Women Construct Wales (WCW) supports women overcome barriers and build confidence through hands-on experience in construction.
By regenerating empty homes, we offer a safe, supportive spaces to learn practical skills, grow as part of a community and access new opportunities.
Whether it’s to start a career in construction, pick up DIY skills, or simply connect with others, the project welcomes women from all backgrounds. And with flexible attendance, fully funded training, dedicated 1:1 support, and newly introduced childcare reimbursement, we’re making sure it’s easier than ever for women to access opportunities that work for their lives and goals.
