How Women Are Paving Paths in Construction

For decades, construction was a man’s world — hard hats, heavy machinery and an overwhelmingly male workforce. But that perception is changing, thanks to trailblazing women and the collective efforts of an industry that increasingly values diversity.

Women in Construction Week, observed in early March, is an opportunity to celebrate this progress, recognize challenges that remain and honor the women who are building the future.

“The perception is definitely changing,” confirms Elif Chavez, assistant project manager at Forte Construction in Long Island, New York. “More women are entering the field, succeeding in leadership roles and breaking down barriers. This shift is helping to reshape the industry’s view of women.”

The Past: Breaking Down Stigmas

Historically, women were rarely seen on construction sites, and when they were, they often faced skepticism, discrimination and a lack of support. The industry’s long-standing perception — that construction work was too physically demanding for women — kept many from even considering it as a career.

Instead, women were often funneled into administrative or design-related roles, rather than the hands-on positions like electricians, carpenters or crane operators. Those who pursued these paths often had to prove themselves repeatedly, working twice as hard to be taken seriously.

Despite these barriers, pioneering women persisted. Their resilience and skill paved the way for future generations, proving that competence (not gender) determines success in construction.

Myrrh Caplan, senior vice president of sustainability at Skanska, has worked in the industry for nearly three decades. In that time, she’s witnessed and inspired big changes.

“The environment has changed significantly,” she says. “What was allowed and generally accepted back then is just so rare to find anymore, particularly at firms like ours that excitedly attract bright, intellectual candidates and those who want to be innovative and test new concepts.”

The Present: Progress and Persistent Challenges

Today, women make up about 11% of the construction workforce, a number that continues to grow. More women are stepping into traditionally male-dominated roles and leadership positions as project managers, engineers and company executives. Initiatives like Women in Construction Week and organizations including the National Association of Women in Construction support and amplify their presence.

However, there are still challenges. Gender bias, though often more subtle than in the past, still exists. Some women feel they must outperform their male colleagues just to be seen as equals. Harassment and a lack of mentorship persist as roadblocks to entry and advancement. Even practical issues, such as inadequate facilities or ill-fitting protective gear on construction sites, highlight the ongoing work needed to create a truly inclusive environment.

Changing Perceptions and Breaking Glass Ceilings

The perception of women in construction is changing, driven by cultural shifts, advocacy, changing workplace culture and the recognition that diverse teams drive better results. More companies are also actively recruiting and supporting women, recognizing the value of their skills and perspectives.

Still, many women say that forging their own path is key.

Caplan has rarely felt that male colleagues treated her differently.

“I have always strived to be as knowledgeable as I could be on my scope of work, to speak with confidence and to seek the trust of the people around me,” Caplan explains. “So, some of that lack of bias in my experience was due to a certain level of confidence in presenting myself.”

Chavez echoes this sentiment.

“One of the first things you notice is that you’re always outnumbered and so there does tend to be a sense of insecurity or imposter syndrome,” she admits. “That’s normal anytime you’re in the minority but you can’t let that deter you.”

She explains that, like so many other women in historically male-dominated fields, she had to take an active approach to gaining the recognition she deserved.

“One way is to be tenacious and take up space purposefully,” she says. That sometimes meant going to meetings she wasn’t included in.

“I knew they were important to my project and specifically to my role,” she says. “I didn’t ask whether I could be included, I just showed up. By not waiting for permission, I was able to [provide] insights to questions that only I was able to answer. By doing this, I was able to make an impression.”

Thanks to individual efforts, along with media representation, mentorship programs and more stepping into women in leadership positions, outdated stigmas are fading. Women-led construction firms and high-profile projects run by women are proof that skill and expertise have no gender.

Education and outreach efforts are also playing a crucial role. Job shadowing, hands-on workshops and STEM-focused initiatives introduce girls to careers in construction, sparking their interest early on and normalizing the idea that they, too, belong in the field.

Women with construction- based careers are also mentoring others. Caplan credits strong female role models within her company with shaping her career.

“I was so very blessed to have had the fantastic Jennifer Clark, our former global head of sustainability, and the incredible Beth Heider, our former chief sustainability officer, as mentors and role models, particularly in the early years of shifting from field positions to sustainability leadership,” she says.

“There are dozens of other women who sponsored me in ways that advanced my career and kept me inspired by their own examples.”

She now makes a point of doing the same for others.

“Remember that you are always potentially influencing another woman's life,” she says. “How we are as role models could define a stranger's journey.”

The Future: Building an Inclusive Industry

The construction industry is facing a well-documented labor shortage and women represent a largely untapped talent pool. Solving this issue is about more than hiring; it requires systemic changes to create workplaces where women can thrive.

Companies that prioritize family-friendly policies, mentorship opportunities and zero-tolerance harassment policies will attract and retain more women. A more inclusive workforce leads to a positive ripple effect of better morale, productivity and innovation.

According to Caplan, this is a win for everyone.

“The demographic is definitely shifting,” she says. “The collaboration between men and a growing ratio of women in this work is exciting and only enriches the end results for our clients.”

Technology is also helping break down barriers. Innovations like automated machinery and advanced tools reduce the physical demands of construction work, making it more accessible to people of all backgrounds. 

Celebrating Women in Construction Week

Women in Construction Week is a call to action. It’s a week to recognize progress, acknowledge the work still needed and highlight the women who continue to lead the way.

It also offers an opportunity to highlight success stories and role models. Sharing their stories can inspire and educate others about possibilities within the industry. For example, hearing about a woman foreman managing a multimillion-dollar project or a woman starting her own contracting business can plant the seed of possibility for girls considering their future careers.

“There are so many facets to construction and so many roles that may unfold before you as you develop interests and expertise,” encourages Caplan. “Young women entering construction can manifest any future they choose and have enough time to try multiple careers within construction.”

With each new success story, the industry becomes more inclusive, more dynamic and more representative of the world it builds.