The construction industry is changing, and more and more women are entering the industry and making their mark. Women in Construction Week is an annual event that celebrates the contributions of females in the industry and raises awareness of the opportunities available to women in the field. This year, the event takes place from the 5th to the 11th of March, and it provides an opportunity to highlight the progress that has been made in recent years and the work that still needs to be done to achieve gender equality in the construction industry.
Let’s explore what Women in Construction Week is, why it’s important, and some statistics about the rise recently in the industry in the UK.
What Is Women In Construction Week?
Women in Construction Week is an annual event that takes place in the first week of March. The event was established by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) to raise awareness about the opportunities for females in the construction industry and to celebrate the achievements of women in the field. The week-long event features various educational and networking events, as well as community outreach activities.
Why Women in Construction Week Is Important?
Women are significantly underrepresented in the UK construction industry, accounting for only 12.6% of the workforce. However, the number of females in the industry is growing, and this week serves as an opportunity to acknowledge their contributions to the industry and to encourage more to pursue careers in the field.
Increasing the number of women in the industry can bring numerous benefits. For example, a more diverse workforce can lead to greater innovation and better problem-solving. Women can bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the industry, which can enhance the overall quality of construction projects.
Furthermore, increasing the number in the industry can help to address the industry’s skills shortage. As the demand for skilled workers grows, attracting more women to the industry can open up a new pool of talent and help fill this gap.
Stats About Women in Construction In The UK
The UK construction industry has seen some progress in the representation of women, but there is still a long way to go. Here are some statistics that highlight the situation for the industry in the UK :
- 2.2 million people work in the UK construction industry, and the percentage of female construction workers in the UK is actually higher than in the US, Germany, and other countries.
- Women make up around 14% of industry professionals in the UK, and this number is only set to rise with more and more women entering the industry.
- In 2021, the value of new work in Great Britain experienced strong growth of 15.3% to £115,579 million, with women-owned companies doing quite well, as seen by 9% making over $500,000 annually.
- In 2021, the value of new work in Great Britain experienced strong growth of 15.3% to £115,579 million, with women-owned construction companies doing quite well, as seen by 9% making over $500,000 annually.
- The Office for National Statistics reports that as of February 2023, there were approximately 150,000 women employed in the industry in the UK, compared to over 2 million men.
Conclusion
Women in Construction Week is an important event that celebrates their contributions in the industry and encourages more women to consider careers in this field. Despite some progress in recent years, the UK construction industry still has a long way to go to achieve gender equality. By increasing the number in the industry, we can benefit from a more diverse and innovative workforce that can help to address the skills shortage and improve the overall quality of construction projects.
At K2A, we recognise the importance of ensuring the health and safety of all workers in the construction industry. We offer a range of occupational health services that can help to support the well-being of your workforce. Learn more about our occupational health services by visiting our page.