Women participation in construction ‘on right track, but there is more to do’
Master Builders Australia unveils research and policy proposals to increase female representation in the construction sectorOn International Women’s Day, Master Builders Australia has released a multifaceted policy platform, titled Breaking Ground: Women in building and construction, to increase female participation in the building and construction industry.
Master Builders Australia CEO, Denita Wawn, said the research represents a proactive effort to not only acknowledge the challenges faced by women in construction but also to present practical solutions and ignite meaningful discussions on this critical issue.
“As one of the biggest sectors in the economy, the building and construction industry employs over 1.3 million Australians but a female participation rate of 15 per cent with only three per cent on the tools is simply not good enough.
“The industry is on the right track with growth in recent years, but there is more to do.
With workplace shortages putting immense pressure on the sector’s ability to meet housing targets, Master Builders believes women will play a vital role in rectifying the issue.
“Increased female participation has many benefits; it lifts productivity, boosts the economy, facilitates financial independence, assists in developing an inclusive and diverse culture and meets the much-needed workforce shortages the building and construction industry is facing,” Wawn said.
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“Breaking Ground aims to dismantle the barriers to participation while highlighting the positives of working in the industry.
“Cultural change is needed, and industry structures must adapt – such as more flexible patterns of work – and more funding is required to support evidence-based programs of how to attract and retain women.
“We must do more to end the bias between universities and vocation education, and young women should be given the same opportunities as their male counterparts to pursue trade apprenticeships if they choose to do so.
“On International Women’s Day, Master Builders Australia is proud to lead the charge towards a more inclusive and diverse industry.”
Some of the policy proposals put forward by Breaking Ground include:
- Unbiased career guidance and more hands-on experience for young women in schools.
- Access to information for parents so they can effectively guide their children and feel comfortable throughout the process.
- Industry leaders should continue to promote good culture and safety practices – there is no room in the building and construction industry for bullying, harassment, assault, suicide, misogyny, racism, discrimination and gender-based violence.
- Better support and flexibility for tradies who are pregnant or caring for children so they are able to strike the right balance between parenting and a trade career.
- Continued support for Women Building Australia and like-minded networking and mentoring opportunities for young women. Master Builders’ flagship industry-led initiative provides mentorship, networking opportunities and resources to support women at various stages of their careers in the industry.
- More funding towards programs, education, facilities, information, and forums that promote building and construction careers to women, support them on the journey and strive for equality.
Read the full paper on Master Builders Australia's website.
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