by Danielle Giarrusso
Women make up 11% of the construction workforce and that number is steadily climbing. What are women doing in the construction industry? Everything! They are architects and engineers, building inspectors, project managers and construction site managers, as well as estimators, laborers, heavy equipment operators, and skilled contractors. For many reasons, women are a significant asset to industry growth. Though women face the challenges of being in an industry with a 9 to 1 male to women ratio, they are demonstrating the ability to thrive and grow in the workforce.
Women encounter considerable inequality, even in prominent leadership positions. Pay gaps, lack of advancement, gender bias, and exclusion have all been an uphill battle. What’s more, women are more frequently called to balance career and family responsibilities. Despite these additional challenges, women are persisting. Recent advancements to legislation, reduction of stereotypes and sheer grit are propelling women into male-dominated industries like never before.
The Impact Women Make In Business
Construction may be perceived as a man’s world, but women bring a much-needed balance in the workforce. According to a McKinsey & Company report, “gender-diverse companies are 25% more likely to achieve above-average profitability compared to companies with less diversity”. A diverse workforce is truly an innovative workforce. Women represent a valuable vantage point when it comes to growing, innovating, and realizing unique business concepts.
Women tend to shine in acquiring those soft skills necessary for successful business leadership, such as critical thinking, problem solving, career management, and intercultural fluency. A female point of view often adds depth and new perspectives that can increase consumer insight and lead to meaningful improvements. Additionally, according to a National Bureau of Economic Research paper, women are more likely to collaborate than men, and collaboration alone is a key component to project success.
Female Entrepreneurs Are On The Rise
Businesses owned by women are rapidly becoming a driving force in our nation’s economy. As of 2021, women-owned businesses have risen to 40%, which amounts to 12.3 million women-owned businesses. With 114% more female entrepreneurs than there were 20 years ago, women are continuing to make an impact – a big one.
As of today, 8% of 99 Calls’ business partners are women-owned!