Additionally, the construction sector contributes around 6-7% of New Zealand’s GDP, underlining its significant role in shaping the nation's economic landscape [1].

 

The graph below outlines the sustained growth of the construction sector over the past decade. 
 

The stats speak for themselves. Hostile environments and unwelcoming behaviour from male counterparts continue to deter female workers from pursuing careers in construction.

Nearly one-third of women in the construction industry work in office and administrative roles, while only 1% of men occupy similar positions. However, recent efforts to promote gender diversity have led to an increase in the number of women entering construction trades and professional services.

 

According to the Ministry of Education, as of December 2022:

 

This increase in training opportunities for women represents a promising shift toward a more diverse workforce.

From inadequate facilities to bullying and harassment, women have started speaking out about their experiences within the industry.

 

Willow Roltan is one of many female leaders who publicly advocates for women in trades in the hopes of effecting change for fellow and future workers.

 

"It absolutely blows my mind that the majority of the time when you work residentially, you have portaloos on-site that don't come with sanitary bins (or sinks/soap) unless asked for, which generally comes at a cost." Willow Roltan, qualified dogman, and crane operator, previous Chapter Chair for NAWIC Queenstown Lakes. (source: NAWIC)

 

While individual perspectives are instrumental in starting a conversation about gender inequality, the onus lies with employers and government organisations to implement strategies that create a more welcoming environment for women in these industries.

 

One of the key organisations supporting women in the industry is the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), which advocates for greater inclusion and provides resources and networking opportunities.

 

In August 2023, the Ministry of Education signed a 2-year sponsorship agreement with NAWIC as part of the Women in Leadership Community initiative. The agreement encourages women to pursue, establish and sustain successful careers in the construction industry [5].

 

Trade Careers NZ is dedicated to increasing the participation of women in the trades by offering support and creating pathways into traditionally male-dominated industries.

 

Their key initiatives include:

• Keep It Decent guidelines [6]: Provides guidelines aimed at fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace culture, ensuring women in the trades feel safe, supported, and respected. These guidelines promote positive behaviour and help address issues like harassment and misogyny in the workplace.
• Advocacy and awareness: Raise awareness about the importance of gender diversity in the trades and challenge the stereotypes that discourage women from entering these fields. They work to shift perceptions and create more inclusive environments.
• Education and outreach: Collaborate with schools, training providers, and businesses to encourage young women to consider trades as a viable career path by providing career development resources.
• Employer support: Work closely with employers to develop inclusive recruitment strategies and implement gender-diverse policies.
• Mentorship and networking: Offer mentorship programs and networking opportunities for women in trades, building a supportive community where women can share experiences, access guidance, and form connections.
• Career growth: Facilitates pathways into apprenticeships and training programs, connecting women with employers and helping them gain the skills needed to succeed in the trades industry.

Long-term solutions

Tips for improving gender equality in your construction company

1. Implement Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) strategies: Construction companies should promote gender diversity and inclusion in their workplaces. This can involve awareness campaigns and unconscious bias training.
2. Promote women to leadership positions: Increasing the number of female leaders is key to breaking down gender stereotypes and providing role models for the next generation of female construction workers.
3. Establish mentorship and networking programs: Mentorship programs can offer valuable support for young women entering the industry, while networking opportunities can help build connections that promote career growth. 
4. Integrate policies: Workplace policies, such as equal pay and paid parental leave, can help close the gender gap and create a more supportive environment. Flexible work arrangements and zero-tolerance policies for discrimination also play a critical role in creating an inclusive culture.
5. Address workplace facilities: A common complaint is the lack of female toilets/Portaloos on site. Installing a separate women's toilet with a lockable door, bin and nearby hand-washing facilities is a basic necessity that can create a more welcoming and comfortable environment for women in construction.