The construction industry stands at a pivotal moment. As the 2025 Women in Construction Week theme “Together We Rise” emphasized, the growing presence of women in construction brings innovative solutions and measurable benefits to the industry.

Increasing female participation can help meet the demand for new workers to enter the industry, while bringing fresh perspectives to project management, safety protocols, and workplace culture.

From construction jobs in the field to office-based roles, women working in construction are proving that diverse teams build stronger foundations for success. Learn more about the value of creating a healthy mix of talent in your company.

The Growth of Female Leadership in the Construction Industry

The construction industry has traditionally been seen as a male-dominated field and industry, but that perception is rapidly changing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women now represent approximately 11-12% of the construction workforce.

More than one million women work across various construction roles, including the following:

• Field positions: Operating equipment, electrical work, plumbing, and carpentry.
• Project management: Overseeing timelines, budgets, and team coordination.
• Engineering and design: Creating blueprints and solving technical challenges.
• Safety coordination: Implementing protocols that protect all workers.
• Business management: Running construction companies, managing client relationships, and providing leadership to make difficult decisions.

There is positive movement in the area of leadership. Recent research indicates that women hold approximately 20% of leadership positions in construction companies. This figure has risen in recent years, thanks in large part to the work of NAWIC, which hosts Women in Construction Week each year.

The Business Case for a Strong Talent Mix

Companies in construction are discovering that gender diversity isn’t just about fairness – it’s about better business outcomes. Research consistently shows that diverse teams make better decisions, communicate more effectively, and approach problems with more creative solutions.

Women in the construction industry bring valuable skills that enhance every construction project:

• Enhanced communication: Studies show women often excel at stakeholder management and team coordination.
• Improved safety records: Construction sites with a healthier mix of teams typically report fewer accidents and better safety compliance.
• Different problem-solving approaches: Diverse perspectives lead to more innovative solutions for complex construction challenges.
• Stronger client relationships: Many clients appreciate working with teams that reflect their own organizational values.

Supporting Career Growth Through Training Programs

The construction workforce is expanding its training programs to attract and support women entering the field. These initiatives help address the skills gap while creating pathways for a successful career in construction.

Some examples of effective training programs include the following:

• Mentorship opportunities: Connecting new female workers with experienced construction professionals to ask questions and build relationships.
• Skills development: Providing technical training and development that prepares women for various construction worker roles.
• Leadership development: Offering programs that fast-track qualified women into project management positions.
• Networking events: Creating communities where women in construction can share experiences and opportunities.

For example, during Women in Construction Week events, many organizations showcased their training programs and highlighted success stories of women who have built thriving careers in construction.

Taking the Next Step for Creating Healthy Work Environments

The most successful construction companies actively work to create a work culture where everyone can contribute their best work. This means addressing the unique challenges that women often face in construction jobs – in the office, on the road, and at the job site.

Some key strategies include the following:

• Zero tolerance for harassment: Implement clear policies with consistent enforcement to protect all workers.
• Flexible scheduling: Accommodate different life circumstances to help retain talented employees.
• Proper facilities: Ensure job sites have appropriate facilities for all workers, such as female-designated portable restroom units.
• Career advancement paths: Create clear opportunities for promotion and professional growth.
• Recognition programs: Celebrate achievements and contributions from all team members.

What is the Future of Women Working in Construction?

As the construction sector continues to face new challenges, the role of women in construction will only become more prominent. There are unprecedented opportunities for women to enter the field, advance quickly, and take on leadership roles.

The construction job market offers numerous advantages for women seeking rewarding careers:

• Competitive compensation: Many construction jobs offer excellent pay and benefits.
• Job security: The ongoing need for infrastructure development has created stable employment.
• Variety: From small residential projects to major commercial developments, no two construction projects are the same.
• Tangible results: There is great satisfaction in seeing completed buildings, roads, and infrastructure that improve communities.
• Growth potential: Workers can take advantage of clear pathways to advance from construction worker roles to project management to business ownership.

Join the Movement By Becoming an AIC Member

Women in Construction Week is an excellent celebration that occurs once per year. But promoting women working in construction should be a year-round focus for everyone involved in the industry.

Organizations like the American Institute of Constructors (AIC) support initiatives that advance opportunities for all and help build a stronger construction workforce for the future.

Whether you’re considering a career in construction or a company looking to build healthier teams, now is the perfect time to take the next step. The construction industry needs talented professionals of all backgrounds to meet the challenges of building tomorrow’s infrastructure so that our industry can prosper.

– Ready to be part of industry growth? Consider joining AIC to connect with other construction professionals, build your network, and gain access to valuable resources that will support your career path.

Learn how to become an AIC member today. It’s time to get involved to create a stronger future for construction.