Celebrating Women in Construction

March is an exciting time of year to celebrate and reflect on the countless contributions that women have made throughout history to society, culture, economy, and for those of us in this industry, construction. From politics to the arts, from science to business, women have made incredible strides in every field. As many in construction know, this is an industry that has had a rough history with construction being seen as a rough and tumble man’s world.  

This dynamic has changed significantly each year over the past decade. Contractors are focused on women’s contributions, equality, and diversity. Women continue to make their mark in the construction industry, breaking down barriers and proving that they are just as capable as their male counterparts.

Women in construction can be found in a wide variety of roles, including engineers, architects, builders, project managers, and more. These women have a diverse range of skills, perspectives, and experiences that they bring to the construction industry, helping to improve the industry and make it more inclusive.

However, women did not just start working in construction recently, in fact, the history of women in construction can be traced back to the early days of construction. During World War II, women were called upon to work in factories and construction sites, where they helped to build ships, airplanes, and other vital infrastructure. Women played an important role in the construction of some of the most iconic structures in the world, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, the Hoover Dam, and the Empire State Building.

Today, women are continuing to make strides in the construction industry. Women-owned construction companies are on the rise, and women are taking on leadership roles in the field. Women in construction can also serve as role models for future generations of aspiring young women making important life choices about which career path is right for them, making construction an attractive and viable choice for a prosperous future. 

One of the challenges that women face in the construction industry is a lack of representation. Women are often underrepresented in construction, which can make it difficult for them to advance their careers. However, this is changing, and many companies are actively working to recruit and retain women in the industry. Initiatives such as mentorship programs and diversity and inclusion training are helping to make the construction industry more welcoming to women.

Another challenge that women in construction face is discrimination and harassment. Women in construction are often subjected to sexist and misogynistic comments and behaviors. This can create a hostile work environment and make it difficult for women to succeed in the industry. However, there are organizations and initiatives working to address this issue, such as the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and the Women Construction Owners & Executives (WCOE). Let’s not lose sight however of the perseverance and passion of women having been a key factor in women continuing to move the needle.  

"I always say, 'we are a part of the construction industry, we are not separate from it.' I just hope to continue to inspire other women to go into this industry, and to break those gender barriers that have been in place for so long”, says Alison Victoria. 

This quote from Alison Victoria emphasizes the importance of women in construction and the need to break down gender barriers that have long been present in the industry. As a successful woman in construction herself, Victoria serves as an inspiration to other women who may be considering a career in construction or are already working in the industry. By recognizing that women are an integral part of the construction industry and working to inspire other women to enter the field, Victoria is helping to pave the way for greater gender diversity and inclusion in construction.

As we celebrate Women's History Month, let's recognize the incredible contributions of women in construction and support their continued success in the industry.