The construction industry stands at a crossroads. As an aging workforce retires and the demand for skilled labor intensifies, the sector faces a widening skills gap that threatens growth and sustainability.
Yet, amid this challenge lies an untapped opportunity: women.
Long underrepresented in the construction industry, women bring fresh perspectives, diverse skills, and proven value to the field. The construction field remains male-dominated, but there is an attempt to change this norm by attracting more women to join the ranks.
Women now account for around 11% in the sector, but women’s participation is a growing trend that reflects the evolving changes in society and developments in the industry.
Obstacles to Attracting More Women in the Industry
One of the challenges and obstacles to attracting more women to join is the pay gap between men and women. In the US, for instance, women’s pay is 4.7% lower than men’s, indicating that work is still needed to achieve equal pay. Achieving this could pave the way for more women to participate in the process.
Other obstacles include creating a safe, harassment-free working environment for women. A 2014 report by the National Women’s Law Center, “Women in Construction: Still Breaking Ground,” states that “Sexual harassment and hostility, lack of mentors and stereotyped assumptions about women’s capabilities all contribute to the problem”.
“More must be done to reverse this trend in construction, and the growth of women’s participation in similar nontraditional fields shows that it is possible”.
The report delves into data on women in the construction sector, examines the roadblocks they face, and offers practical recommendations to increase women’s access to high-paying construction careers.
Initiatives in New Zealand to Grow Women’s Participation in the Industry
In New Zealand, women make up 14% of the construction industry, highlighting a significant gender gap. Several initiatives have been launched in the country to address this imbalance.
Girls in Infrastructure, launched in 2019, is a pioneering initiative designed to raise awareness and spark interest among girls in Years 12 and 13 (ages 16-18) about the diverse and rewarding career paths available in the infrastructure field.
The program offers events that provide young girls with hands-on experience at construction sites, allowing them to work with heavy machinery. Participants also have the opportunity to converse and explore options with educational providers.
The initiative states, “This is an ideal platform for students to connect with and learn from seasoned industry professionals, offering insights into the real-world application of their studies and the potential to build a fulfilling career in infrastructure. This initiative not only highlights the importance of gender diversity in the sector but also encourages young women to envision themselves in roles traditionally underrepresented by females, thereby fostering a more inclusive and dynamic industry landscape” (What is Girls, 2025).
It also adds that “women currently represent only 14% of New Zealand’s construction industry, revealing a significant gender gap. This imbalance not only hampers the growth of New Zealand communities but also exacerbates skill shortages prevalent across all sectors. Our initiative aims to address this disparity by inspiring and empowering young women to explore the vibrant and fulfilling opportunities within the infrastructure sector” (What is Girls, 2025).
A training provider, Connexis, offers the Girls with Hi-Vis (GWHV) initiative nationwide. The program is now in its 10th year.
It provides female students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, hear from inspirational women in the industry, and learn about the career opportunities available in the infrastructure field, as well as other essential trade sectors.
Each year, the program invites customer companies to open their doors for a day, allowing young women to explore the infrastructure sector and the diverse roles available in the Civil, Energy, Telecommunications, and Water industries while they are still in school. Students will have the chance to wear high-visibility gear and participate in activities such as installing a water meter or climbing a power pole.
Women Add Value to the Industry
Connexis executive director Kaarin Gaukrodger said the initiative provided a chance for young women to experience a range of career paths they might not have considered before.
“Our industries are keen to draw the attention of women toward infrastructure careers, as women have shown to add real value to the crews and teams they work with.”
How to Attract and Retain Women in the Industry
An article from Automatic Data Processing (ADP) provides valuable recommendations for promoting a more inclusive environment for women in the construction sector, where they are frequently underrepresented.
- Involve Women in the Hiring Process. Including women in recruitment efforts creates a more welcoming and relatable environment for female candidates.
- Write Inclusive Job Listings. Focus on clear job descriptions and expectations rather than personal traits to attract a broader range of applicants.
- Highlight Career Growth Opportunities. Emphasize pathways for advancement and showcase success stories of women who have excelled in the industry. This provides relatable role models and demonstrates that women can excel in the construction industry.
- Offer Incentives for Advancement. Create a clear career path that leads to leadership roles to encourage women to stay and grow within the company.
- Foster a Safe and Fair Workplace Culture. Discourage gender bias and discrimination, ensuring fair pay and providing support through mentorship and networking opportunities.
- Promote Physical Safety. Design equipment, facilities, and practices with women’s needs in mind, supplying appropriate personal protective equipment, restrooms, and changing areas. By implementing these strategies, companies can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in the construction industry.
Sources:
More Women Working in Construction in 2022. (2023, September 11). NAHB. Retrieved from https://eyeonhousing.org/2023/09/more-women-working-in-construction-in-2022/.
Women in construction still breaking ground. (2014) National Women’s Law Center. Retrieved from https://nwlc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/final_nwlc_womeninconstruction_report.pdf
Initiative aims to encourage women to work in the infrastructure industry. (2025, May 27). The Post. Retrieved from https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360703113/initiative-aims-encourage-women-work-infrastructure-industry
Connexis Infrastructure Training (2025). Connexis. Retrieved from https://www.connexis.org.nz/girls-with-hi-vis/
What is Girls in Infrastructure. (2025). Girls in Infrastructure. Retrieved from https://www.girlsininfrastructure.org.nz/about-5
Katsanos, K. (2025). Are Women the Key to Solving Labor Shortages in the Construction Industry? ADP. Retrieved from https://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2024/12/are-women-the-key-to-solving-labor-shortages-in-the-construction-industry.aspx
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