Women in construction creates wealth plus.
Women have pioneered many industries (from computing, to medical science and so forth). But there’s still a lack of women in the construction industry. We need to do a better job of encouraging more women to enter the trades industry.
It’s a growing industry. That is slowly (but surely) adapting to technology, Which combines many aspects like science, math, and technology. Involving the craftsmanship and team collaboration skills. The industry is facing a labor shortage and we believe more women will enter. But today they still make up ~10 of the industry. By the end of 2020, it’s expected to make up ~25 of the industry. So there’s been a surge of growth lately.
Money to be made
There’s perhaps never been a better time to enter the construction industry. There’s a labor shortage. Wages are rising and improvements are being made to make it more productive and efficient.
Well, there’s still a wage gap between women and men. In construction, it is starting to even out (95 cents versus the dollar). But there’s still work to be done as there is a bigger wage gap with women of color in construction. It’s even worse when compared to their white counterparts.
Opportunities in the industry will hopefully resolve the wage gap. From tradework to business development and project management. There is an abundance of opportunities. Not to mention leadership and ownership roles.
How to Support
Over time we believe this will even out and get better. But we still have a way to go. So what can we do to support women in construction?
To start
— We need to be more inclusive and inviting in our industry
— Have women employees involved in the recruitment process
— Set up professional development programs
— Adapt family-friendly policies
These are some good starting points. Having a more diversified work talent is an advantage and we hope to see more companies hiring women in the construction industry. We as a society should encourage more to enter the industry. Even more, we should start at a younger age. Similar to how there’s a big push to get more youth to enter STEM. We ought to do the same with young girls that are interested in construction. Teaching them skills that will be helpful throughout their life.
Wealth improves society
Wealth is making something people want. And we need many things to be built still (like affordable housing and more). The more women that enter construction, the more wealth we’ll build as a society.
