Despite years of discussion around diversity, women are still vastly underrepresented in industries like construction, engineering, and manufacturing — and progress remains stubbornly slow. But gender equality in these fields isn’t just a concern for women. It’s a shared responsibility.

In sectors still dominated by men, real change can only happen when those in the majority step up as allies, advocates, and changemakers.

And nowhere is this more urgent than in the construction industry.

Despite growing awareness and a renewed focus on diversity, women still make up just 15.2% of the UK construction workforce — and only around 2% of those work on-site, according to data shared by the Chartered Institute of Building. At the same time, the industry is facing a critical skills shortage, with a significant portion of its workforce heading towards retirement in the next 5–10 years.

The numbers suggest a clear opportunity: welcoming more women into the sector could help address the talent gap. But this isn’t just about recruitment — it’s about retention too. A well-documented ‘leaky pipeline’ continues to push women out of the industry due to issues like discrimination, sexism, lack of flexibility, bullying, and pay disparity. Without structural change, the cycle continues.

This is the central call to action in Building Women, a new book by Faye Allen, chartered quantity surveyor and Fellow of the RICS. Based on conversations with more than 1,000 women in construction, and structured in three parts, the book moves from context to lived experience to practical solutions — all underpinned by the belief that supporting women leads to better outcomes for the industry as a whole.

Based on research conducted with over 1,000 participants, Building Women illustrates women’s lived experiences and workplace challenges in the construction industry.

Equal opportunity, not special treatment

Through a collection of raw, honest stories, Faye shines a light on the double standards many women face, particularly around motherhood, leadership potential, and credibility on site. Women in construction aren’t asking for different treatment — she makes clear — just a fair shot. She also highlights how these experiences can be transformed when the right systems and support are in place — from inclusive policies to senior allies who use their influence to elevate others.

Everyone has a role to play

The final part of Building Women shifts the spotlight to men — not as critics, but as changemakers. By mentoring women, challenging outdated assumptions, and advocating for inclusive practices, male allies are essential to creating a culture that works better for everyone.

Featuring a series of real women and men who are leading by example, the book illustrates what inclusive leadership looks like in practice.

From tackling outdated mindsets to sponsoring and mentoring women, men in the sector have a unique opportunity — and responsibility — to help change the culture from within. Inclusion boosts innovation, strengthens collaboration, and ultimately creates a more sustainable future for the industry as a whole.

While construction takes centre stage in the book, the issues raised apply widely across male-dominated sectors. Whether it’s the gender pay gap in manufacturing or the lack of female leadership in engineering, the barriers women face are often similar, and the path forward equally clear.

 

Global facts and stats on women in construction

  • The average representation of women in the construction workforce globally is 8.69%
  • Some countries have implemented programmes to address this gap, including India, the United States and Australia.
  • Top performers are China (16%) and India (10.75%), with these countries leading efforts through robust initiatives targeting workforce diversity.