The construction industry has long been synonymous with hard hats, bricks, mortar, and, regrettably, a distinct gender disparity at its highest ranks. As we advance into this decade, the proverbial ‘glass ceiling’ in the construction domain appears more akin to a ‘concrete ceiling’, particularly when observing the underrepresentation of female CEOs and leaders.
Recent data from BoldData underscores this disparity. A mere 1.4% of CEOs in the construction industry globally are women. This imbalance is further emphasized when we zoom into heavy construction sectors like road construction and civil engineering, where just 1% of CEOs are women. Meanwhile, general contractors and installation firms show a marginally better figure, with 1.4% female CEOs.
The gender gap is not confined to the construction arena alone. Heavy manufacturing and oil and gas sectors record similarly dismal numbers, with female CEOs constituting 1.3% and a staggering 0.005%, respectively. The ICT industry reports 2.9% female CEOs, in line with a global trend highlighted by UNESCO data (2014-2016), which reveals that merely 30% of female students gravitate towards STEM-related higher education fields.
To truly harness the potential of women in construction, there’s a pressing need for a shift in leadership dynamics. Our industry can no longer afford to neglect the insights, perspectives, and innovations women leaders can bring to the table.
The way forward necessitates deliberate and transformative measures:
- Leadership Development and Mentorship: Cultivate a culture of mentorship where budding female professionals receive guidance from seasoned leaders, ensuring a robust pipeline of future CEOs, Presidents, and top-tier leaders.
- Diversity Training: Embed diversity and inclusion training at all levels, emphasizing the critical role of women in leadership roles.
- Investment in Education: Foster partnerships with educational institutions, offering scholarships for women in STEM and construction-related disciplines, paving the way for a well-equipped future leadership cohort.
- Celebrate and Amplify: Publicize the achievements and milestones of female leaders within the industry, making their journeys visible and inspiring for emerging professionals.
- Inclusivity at the Core: Ensure that diversity is not merely a buzzword but an intrinsic organizational value, pushing the narrative of women in the boardroom, and at job sites.
The call to action is clear: The construction industry must not only break but also rebuild its concrete ceiling. With a commitment to elevating female leadership, we can construct a more inclusive, dynamic, and prosperous future for all.
