The Challenges to Women Progression in the Construction Industry: An Investigative Study

The construction industry, a traditionally male-dominated sector, has seen gradual changes in female representation over recent decades. However, substantial barriers persist, influencing the rate and degree of women's career progression. This paper investigates the challenges to women's progression and trends in the construction industry, focusing on the South African context. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from a questionnaire survey and qualitative insights from focus group discussions in obtaining the data required to answer the research objective. The questionnaire was emailed/self-administered to 259 randomly selected construction workers and professionals listed in the Professional Construction Register, Housing Development Association, and Informal Builders Group. A total of 199 completed questionnaires were collected yielding a response rate of approximately 77%. The data collected was analysed using descriptive and thematic analysis. The study found that the key challenges to women progression in the construction industry include the cost of education, gender bias and few female mentors. Based on these findings, the study concludes that positive changes in the organisational culture of construction companies, educational support, mentorship, and networking will bring about an equitable work environment that enables women to thrive and contribute effectively to the construction industry. The study recommends that construction companies implement policies that close gender pay gaps and introduce quotas for women in leadership positions.