The North American construction industry faces a critical shortage of skilled workers, which impacts project costs and timelines. Aggravating this issue is the underrepresentation of women, who make up only 17% of the construction workforce in Canada and a mere 10.8% in the United States. Ill-fitting PPE, gender biases and stereotypes, workplace culture, and harassment are just a few issues women face when entering the construction industry.

While the solution to this issue seems simple—recruit more women—the reality is far more complex. 

Here are some of the top challenges for women entering the construction industry.

5 challenges hindering women’s full integration and advancement within the construction industry

1. Ill-fitting personal protective equipment (PPE)

Despite ongoing calls for change, women in construction still face the challenge of ill-fitting, uncomfortable PPE designed for men. 

A recent study by the CSA Group surveyed 3,000 women and revealed that 80% encountered issues with their PPE. Shockingly, 58% resort to using incorrectly sized PPE, 28% forego necessary gear due to fit issues, and 38% resort to makeshift fixes like rubber bands and duct tape. 

The solution: Address this persistent challenge with proactive measures like implementing gender-inclusive sizing options and tailored designs, along with comprehensive training on proper PPE usage. 

By prioritizing suitable PPE provision, we can mitigate the alarming 40% of incidents attributed to poorly fitting equipment, thereby fostering safer and more inclusive work environments for women in construction. 

2. Workplace culture and harassment 

Step onto a job site, and you’ll sense the lingering machismo that has defined the industry for decades. Despite strides in diversity programs and mentorship initiatives, women are still fleeing or hesitating to join due to pervasive harassment and toxic environments. 

Harassment is alarmingly common, with inappropriate comments and unwanted advances tarnishing job sites. Furthermore, women endure discriminatory treatment, from being passed over for promotions to bearing the brunt of the toughest tasks. 

The solution: It’s time to cultivate an inclusive company culture that values and protects all employees. Empowerment begins with education, which means enlightening workers on federal anti-discrimination laws, fostering a culture of reporting incidents to HR, and equipping employees with the tools to identify and respond to sexual harassment. 

It’s not just about changing policies; it’s about transforming mindsets and nurturing a workplace where everyone feels safe and respected.  

3. Gender biases and stereotypes 

Gender biases and stereotypes pose hurdles for women in construction, influencing perceptions of their capabilities and fit for roles in the industry. 

Whether it’s a conscious or unconscious belief, viewing construction as a “man’s job” not only dissuades women from pursuing careers in the field but also perpetuates inequality. 

The misconception that women lack the strength or skills for construction work creates unnecessary barriers, such as limited opportunities for advancement and unequal treatment in hiring and promotion decisions. 

The solution: Companies can take proactive steps, such as providing unconscious bias training for HR and hiring teams and ensuring fair and equitable hiring processes. Promoting female representation in leadership and implementing mentorship programs can also be pivotal. If establishing an internal mentorship program proves challenging, offering paid time off for employees to attend external mentorship programs is an alternative solution. 

These initiatives pave the way for a more inclusive and empowering environment for women in construction, unlocking their full potential and driving positive change in the industry. 

4. Work-life balance

In a fast-paced industry with demanding schedules, achieving work-life balance is hard, especially for women who often shoulder the role of primary caregivers. 

While other industries have embraced flexible work arrangements, construction work often requires physical presence on job sites, sometimes during early mornings and late nights. Moreover, projects are frequently located in remote areas, necessitating extensive travel, further complicating the juggling act for women managing family commitments. 

The solution: Flexible schedules, family leave benefits, and additional compensation for work in remote areas can support women in managing these challenges and ensure their retention and advancement within the industry. Offering resources such as childcare assistance can further alleviate the burden on women juggling work and family commitments. 

5. Under-representation 

Underrepresentation in the construction industry isn’t just a workplace issue—it begins in childhood. From an early age, construction toys and books mainly target boys, steering girls away from exploring the field.

QUIZ: Can you guess when Barbie, the iconic symbol of traditional femininity, finally traded her high heels for a hard hat and embraced a career in construction? 

As girls mature, the lack of female role models in construction becomes more apparent. Without guidance and encouragement from women who have thrived in these roles, young women may hesitate to pursue careers in the industry. And when they venture into construction-related courses, the absence of female peers can dampen their enthusiasm and confidence.

When a woman finally steps onto a construction site, she may find herself navigating a maze of biases and barriers. Hiring practices often favor male candidates, leadership teams lack diversity, and hostile work environments breed uncertainty and frustration. 

Breaking the cycle of underrepresentation requires more than workplace initiatives—it demands a shift in approach that starts from childhood. 

The solution: The industry needs to ignite the curiosity in young girls, showing them that construction isn’t just for boys. By developing programs tailored to girls’ interests and promoting diversity and inclusion at every level, we can pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future in construction. 

Bottom line

Empowering women in construction requires prioritizing and addressing these five challenges head-on. By doing so, we bridge the recruitment gap and foster a stronger, more prosperous future for all genders. When women thrive in construction, they uplift entire communities, driving positive change in the industry and beyond.