Women in construction: shortcomings, difficulties, and good practices
Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
ISSN: 0969-9988
Article publication date: 5 June 2019
Issue publication date: 5 November 2019
Abstract
Purpose
On average, only 10 percent workers at construction sites are women. This percentage, however, is not due to a lack of interest or capacity, but to discrimination against women, sexual harassment and work safety. The purpose of this paper is to identify the main issues and current difficulties of women workers at construction sites, as well as good practices that might provide a better environment for them.
Design/methodology/approach
Interviews were carried out with workers and engineers who work/have worked at construction sites, to gather material for a discussion about the gender gap in this environment. The interviews were structured and analyzed around the following topics: acceptance, well-being, installations, gender perception and good practices.
Findings
The hiring of women usually occurs at the end of the construction period, which brings up the issue of sexual division of labor. Effects of the glass ceiling and the leaky pipeline phenomena were evident, as well as harassment, discrimination and sexism.
Originality/value
Studies about women in engineering have been become relative common, but studies about female workers on construction sites are still scarce. The women interviewed see themselves as warriors, symbolizing the gain of space within the construction sector and in society. It is hoped that the results can contribute to raising awareness about the benefits of gender mainstreaming at construction sites and to promote the health and well-being of women in these environments.
Keywords
Citation
Regis, M.F., Alberte, E.P.V., Lima, D.d.S. and Freitas, R.L.S. (2019), "Women in construction: shortcomings, difficulties, and good practices", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 26 No. 11, pp. 2535-2549. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-09-2018-0425
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited