Encouraging More Women to Work in Construction

For a long time, the construction industry has been perceived as a man’s world, characterized mainly by tedious manual labor. As a result of this perception, women are often discouraged from pursuing a career in the sector and more adventurous females who venture into the industry are often subjected to layered scrutiny by their male counterparts. 

Today, women make up only 16.3% of Nigeria’s construction industry.

According to a report by McKinsey & Co., gender-diverse companies are 25% more likely to achieve above-average profitability than companies with less diversity. It is therefore pertinent to the growth of Nigeria's construction industry to embrace gender diversity.

 Therefore the question is “how can we get more women interested in construction?” The following are some ideas for increasing the participation of women in the industry:

1. Training

Training is critical to attracting more women to construction. In some countries, large construction companies often collaborate with local communities by offering courses and boot camp programs for young girls and women interested in construction.  Apprenticeship programs are also designed to provide a structured way to recruit women and train them for job-specific skills.

2. Career Drives in Schools

Enlightening young girls about the opportunities available in the construction industry is a critical step toward increasing female participation over time in the industry. Events such as career talks and fairs can guide young girls on a viable career path in the industry.

3. Construction Forums and Conferences

Professional seminars and workshops provide a forum for women in the industry to express their concerns while brainstorming on practical solutions. With fewer obstacles to overcome, more women will be encouraged to stay on the job. The sessions also serve as networking avenues to build relationships within the industry.

4. Mentorship

In the early stages of their careers, women need mentors to help them grow in the industry. The right role models can go a long way in helping women settle in and thrive on the job.

Sources

https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/women-construction

https://theconversation.com/how-women-are-locked-out-of-nigerias-construction-industry-157643

Photo by Kindel Media: https://www.pexels.com/photo/female-engineer-looking-at-a-project-plan-8487338/