Women in Construction: A Growing Reality
Women in Construction: Past and Present, Leaders and Role Models
As part of International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, vision, and talent of the women who are transforming the construction industry. A sector that, despite being historically male-dominated, is now witnessing a rapidly growing female presence. These determined women bring an innovative perspective and inspiring leadership to the industry.
Let’s recognize the crucial role of women in construction, their incursion into the world of BIM (Building Information Modeling), and highlight some of the most influential figures worldwide.
Women in Construction: A Growing Reality
Although construction has traditionally been perceived as a male sector, women’s participation is steadily increasing. In 2023, women represented 11.2% of the workforce in the construction sector in Spain. This growth is partly due to greater awareness of the importance of gender equality and initiatives aimed at breaking down the barriers women face in this field.
Women are present in various areas of construction, holding roles across the entire value chain. They contribute their talent to project management, site supervision, urban planning, architectural design, and on-site roles. It has been shown that women’s contributions are fundamental to innovation and efficiency in the sector. In fact, data from the 2021 Active Population Survey (EPA) reveals that women in construction in Spain experience greater job stability compared to other sectors.
An analysis of the construction labor market in 2019-2020 shows that the occupations with the highest female participation are:
Urban and regional transit planners (55%)
Drafters and technical illustrators (42%)
Architects and builders (42%)
These figures demonstrate that women are not only present but are thriving in key roles within the industry.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the progress made, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. Gender stereotypes, lack of access to training and professional development opportunities, and wage discrimination are some of the persistent obstacles. In many cases, women remain concentrated in administrative roles, and their presence in leadership and supervisory positions continues to be limited.
However, the construction industry also offers unique opportunities. The demand for skilled professionals, the possibility of leading innovative projects, and the social impact of construction are factors that increasingly attract women to this field.
It’s important to highlight the impact infrastructure projects can have on women, especially in rural areas. These projects not only create jobs during construction but also improve access to basic services such as drinking water, sanitation, and education—empowering women and improving their quality of life.
BIM: A Tool for Equality
Women’s participation in the world of BIM is a key step toward gender equality in construction. BIM offers a more collaborative and inclusive work environment, where women’s skills and talents can stand out without the limitations imposed by traditional gender roles.
A powerful example of how BIM can promote gender equality is the Ethylene XXI project in Latin America. This project, financed by the Inter-American Development Bank, focused on training women in construction. Through technical training programs and workplace support, the project achieved a female participation rate of 20% in the workforce, exceeding expectations and demonstrating BIM’s potential to foster inclusion.
Additionally, initiatives like “Inspiring Girls,” which use group mentoring to encourage girls to pursue careers in science and technology, highlight the importance of early intervention to promote female participation in BIM-related fields.
Outstanding Women in Construction
Outstanding Women in BIM
A Future with More Women in Construction
The future of construction promises greater female participation, where the diversity of perspectives and talents enriches the industry and contributes to more sustainable and innovative development. Women in construction are, quite literally, building a more equitable future for everyone.
Let’s celebrate the day when true equality becomes a reality. In the meantime, we must keep breaking stereotypes and shining a light on achievements that inspire us to continue moving forward without fear. This is a fight for all of us.