‘She Builds Nation’ Report Reveals Women in Construction Face Lack of Safety Equipment, Restroom Accessibility Gaps

Lumber, a construction workforce management platform, has released the 2024 “She Builds Nation” report, shedding light on the challenges faced by women in the construction industry. The report was developed from a survey of over 100 women construction owners, executives and decision makers, delving into critical issues impacting women in construction.

Among the notable revelations: 67% of respondents cited the dearth of gender-friendly (smaller-sized) safety equipment such as PPEs, safety harnesses, hard hats, etc., with 85% expressing concerns over the absence of maternity-friendly safety gear. Additionally, 64% of women reported the absence of women’s restroom facilities at construction sites, highlighting a significant gap in infrastructure to address their needs.

Despite these obstacles, the report also underscores positive trends, with 72% of respondents acknowledging increased opportunities for women’s advancement within the industry. Moreover, 67% find integration into a predominantly male-centric environment relatively smooth, contingent upon the fostering of an inclusive organizational culture.

However, the survey reveals a nuanced landscape concerning gender equality and support structures. While 51% of respondents perceive equal pay opportunities for women, the remaining respondents voice concerns about pay parity and assertiveness in negotiation. Similarly, 55% express reservations regarding the adequacy of support systems available to women in construction, suggesting a need for enhanced awareness and access to existing resources.

Moreover, attracting and retaining female talent emerged as a significant challenge, with 52% of respondents citing difficulties in this regard. Respondents felt that addressing this requires the implementation of targeted outreach initiatives, mentorship programs, flexible scheduling options, and comprehensive training endeavors to bolster female representation and retention within the industry.

Despite these hurdles, a prevailing sentiment of optimism pervaded the survey responses, with 66% of respondents affirming the existence of burgeoning career prospects and growth avenues for women in construction. As the industry continues to evolve, initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity, equitable practices, and robust support mechanisms are poised to drive meaningful change and empower women to thrive in construction careers.

The report can be downloaded here.