Women in Construction: The Road Ahead

Alexandra Scholes, Partner, Taylor Sterling Beyond, stresses upon the importance of recruiting and retaining female talent in the built environment sector

Despite all the progress it has made, the global construction industry still sees less than 12% women in its workforce, underscoring the ongoing challenges in achieving gender parity. This discrepancy highlights the continued need for concerted efforts to recruit and retain female talent in the industry, especially in technical and leadership positions.

Over the last 15 years representing talent in the Middle East, I have witnessed firsthand the evolution of gender diversity efforts driven by reputable employers committed to changing the landscape for women in this traditionally male-dominated field. In the early days, the demand for female talent in construction roles was notably low, influenced by regional cultural norms and entrenched corporate cultures resistant to change. This was the result of an ‘old boys’ club’ mentality, coupled with inadequate facilities and policies to support women, particularly at mid to senior levels.

However, it all began to shift, as global consciousness about gender equality started to infiltrate the region's construction sector. The initiatives to change this narrative gained momentum, spearheaded by forward-thinking organisations aiming to dismantle the barriers historically faced by women. Among these efforts, Deloitte Middle East emerged as a founding chair of ‘The 30% Club GCC’, advocating gender equity and leadership roles for women within the industry.

We also saw JLL launch the ‘Women in Construction Drive’ with colleagues from Turner & Townsend, AESG, and Khansaheb, focusing on removing prejudice and actively working towards closing the gender gap. They embarked on outreach to schools, informing students about the opportunities within the construction sector for women and what it means to work in such a dynamic environment. I’ve also seen mentorship programmes, networking opportunities, and awareness campaigns, all designed to build a more inclusive and supportive framework for women in the built environment.

Encouragingly, the educational landscape has also evolved, with a significant increase in women pursuing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. In the UAE, for instance, women now represent 57% of graduates in STEM courses at government universities, a testament to the changing attitudes and opportunities available to women aspiring to enter the construction industry. The World Bank recently published figures showing Saudi Arabia’s female workforce stands at 36%, up from 17% in 2017, which demonstrates remarkable strides in the Kingdom’s female labour force participation. Many impediments for women to work were removed and protections added, including the right to equal pay and labor law reforms to eliminate discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace.

Breaking Stereotypes

The construction industry is increasingly embracing technological advancements and implementing sustainability initiatives that are reshaping the industry. Smart cities, modular construction, and green building practices offer new opportunities for women, enabling a future where gender diversity is not just aspirational but integral to the sector's growth and innovation.

I have been lucky to work and connect with influential and inspiring women in the construction space and believe we are challenging stereotypes and perceptions to promote positive representations of women in construction. By showcasing the achievements and contributions of women within construction, we will continue to inspire future generations to pursue a career within the industry. 

As a female recruitment expert in the MENA region, I am both a witness and participant in this ongoing transformation. The journey ahead will still bring its challenges, but the vision is clear and promising. With each passing day, women in construction are not just entering the industry; they are redefining it, breaking new ground, and laying the foundations for a more equitable and dynamic future. As we celebrate International Women's Day, let's acknowledge the strides made and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring women not only enter the construction industry but thrive and ascend to the highest levels.