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Women in Construction – Breaking Down Gender Barriers
Women in Construction is a professional association that is based in Fort Worth, Texas. The group provides mentoring and education for women in construction. They aim to level the playing field and break down gender barriers.
Work with people from a variety of backgrounds
The number of women working in construction is slowly increasing. However, they are a small percentage of the industry’s workforce. It is important to understand the health and safety issues that they face. Women are exposed to a variety of hazards at work, and their needs should be considered.
Women in construction have a variety of safety concerns. They are often exposed to hazards such as unsafe working conditions and inadequate physical protection. They also report being victims of sexual harassment. Some reports of sexual harassment include unwanted sexual remarks, touching in sexual ways, and threats of physical violence.
One study found that female workers in construction experience more harassment than their male counterparts. Harassment is associated with a higher incidence of psychological health symptoms. Other studies have linked harassment to low job satisfaction.
Sexual harassment is a serious problem for women in construction. This type of behavior interferes with an individual’s performance at work, and can cause stress and feelings of fear. Identifying and responding to sexual harassment can help protect employees from being harassed.
Earn wages equal to men
If you are interested in a career in construction, you may be surprised to find that women in this field earn wages equal to men. In fact, in January 2019, women carpenters earned $83.24 for every dollar that a man carpenter made.
Women are also more likely to work part time than men. As a result, many employers believe that women will take time off for children. This has a direct effect on careers.
The gender pay gap is not just a statistical anomaly, though. It is a symptom of a much larger cultural problem in the workplace.
Traditionally, men have been in the higher paying professions, while women have occupied lower-paying occupations. This imbalance is even more pronounced for women of color.
One example of an occupation where women can earn more than their male counterparts is health care social workers. However, this has not been enough to close the gender pay gap.
Another example of an industry that has achieved pay parity is the transportation and warehousing sector. Despite the fact that women are more likely to work in this line of work, they still only make 58 cents for every dollar a white non-Hispanic man makes.
Break down gender barriers
Women are breaking down gender barriers in the construction industry. However, they are not overcoming all of them. There are several key steps that need to be taken.
One of the best ways to promote gender equality in the workplace is to create a positive work culture. This means that women should feel safe and supported to raise their concerns.
One of the easiest ways to encourage women to apply for jobs is to educate them about the career options available. Whether they are pursuing a career in construction or another industry, women should be aware of their options.
Another way to promote gender equality is to make sure that construction companies are transparent about their recruitment processes. By making sure that they are upfront about their employment practices, women will be more likely to apply.
In addition, many construction associations are ramping up their efforts to support women in their organizations. These associations are encouraging young women to consider careers in the industry and educating them about the benefits of working in construction.
Level the playing field
In the construction industry, women can work in many different roles. Some jobs involve physical strength, while others require office-based roles. However, all construction workers should be treated with respect and offered the same opportunities.
Many construction companies are creating more opportunities for women. They are encouraging women to pursue careers in the field by providing mentorship and networking opportunities. These opportunities can also help women enter more leadership roles.
The construction industry has been a male-dominated industry for a long time, but it is changing. Women are beginning to make important contributions to the industry, and are breaking down stereotypes. There are also many new initiatives promoting women.
WCOE (Women’s Construction Owners and Executives) is an organization dedicated to leveling the playing field for women-owned firms in the construction industry. Their mission is to provide information, education, and support for their members. A recent report found that 30% of executive positions should be filled by women.
NAFC (National Association for Fair Contracting) seeks to educate the public on the benefits of responsible contracting policies. It documents reforms in states and localities.