The construction industry has long been considered a male-dominated field, but times are changing. Women are increasingly breaking through the barriers and making their mark in this traditionally male sphere.
From architects to engineers, project managers to skilled tradespeople, women are bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table.
Our company had the privilege of interviewing Jennifer Gabel, CEO of JK Crane (https://www.jkcrane.com/), for some first-hand insight into how women have been breaking barriers and what she has done to help women become more prominent within the crane and construction industry.
In this article we'll explore the history of women in construction, their challenges, and how they're transforming the industry for future generations.
History of women in construction
For centuries, the construction industry has been a male-dominated field. Women were generally excluded from the industry due to societal norms and gender stereotypes. It wasn't until World War II that women had an opportunity to enter traditionally male industries like construction. During the war, many men went off to fight, leaving vacancies in various sectors. Women stepped up and took on jobs typically held by men, including positions in construction.
This era was just the beginning of women's involvement in this sector. In subsequent years, more women began breaking through the barriers and entering fields such as architecture and engineering.
However, it wasn't always easy for them — they often faced discrimination and harassment on job sites. Despite these challenges, brave women continued to forge ahead with their careers in construction. They paved the way for future generations of female professionals who would go on to make significant contributions to this vital industry today.
Although women have been working in construction for centuries, it is still considered to be male-dominated.
Women continue to face significant barriers when entering and advancing in construction. One significant barrier is the need for more representation. Fewer women work in technical and professional roles within the industry, which can discourage other women from pursuing a career in this field.
Gable has worked to make JK Crane more gender inclusive.
For example, she said, "When I first took over, I did need to create a women's restroom."
Making an impact
While progress has been made towards greater inclusivity within the construction industry in recent years, much work remains to be done before all genders feel equally represented within this traditionally male-dominated profession. Women have been making a significant impact on the construction industry for many years.
They are proving that their skills and knowledge can help shape the future of construction. As more women enter this male-dominated field, they are changing how things are done and bringing fresh perspectives to old problems.
One area where women have made an impact in construction is project management. Women excel at multitasking, communication, and problem-solving - all essential skills for managing complex construction projects.
Many companies recognize this and actively seek female candidates for these roles. In addition to project management, women are also taking on leadership positions in other construction areas, such as engineering, design, and architecture.
This diversity in leadership helps bring different viewpoints to projects, ultimately leading to better outcomes. Women-owned businesses focused on providing services within the construction industry have also been increasing over time - another sign of their growing influence. These firms offer everything from general contracting to specialized consulting services like sustainability or safety consulting.
One of the most critical ways women are changing the face of construction is by serving as role models for younger generations.
By seeing successful women working in this field, women new to the industry are inspired to pursue careers in STEM fields or consider entering traditionally male-dominated industries like construction.
Overall, it's clear that women play an increasingly important role in shaping the construction industry's future through their presence across all levels of organizations, from entry-level employees to C-suite executives and owning more businesses than ever before.
Gable actively looks for ways to bring more women into her business.
"There's a local organization I work with called Nontraditional Employment for Women based out of NYC who I have reached out to when we are hiring to see if they have any female candidates. I do go out of my way to get those candidates in the door for an interview, but at the end of the day, the qualifications are going to be merit-based before they are going to be based on anything else," Gable said.
Another organization doing invaluable work for women in construction is the NAWIC, the National Association of Women in Construction (https://nawic.org/).
According to the organization's website, the NAWIC's core purpose is to "“Strengthen and amplify the success of women in the construction industry."
What comes next?
The future of women in construction is undoubtedly promising. Women are taking on more leadership roles and breaking through the barriers that once kept them out of the industry. As more and more women enter the field, we can expect to see a shift toward greater diversity and inclusivity.
One way this change is happening is through mentorship programs encouraging young women to pursue careers in construction. These programs provide guidance and support for those entering a male-dominated industry, helping to ensure they have access to the same opportunities as their male counterparts. Another critical factor in shaping the future of women in construction is education.
As universities continue to offer degree programs specific to construction management, more women are being equipped with the knowledge they need to succeed.
Companies must create a culture that values diversity and inclusivity to attract and retain top talent from all backgrounds. Encouraging female participation at every level of an organization sends a powerful message about their commitment to equality.
By continuing efforts towards supporting education, mentorship, and equal opportunity initiatives within organizations – companies can help ensure that generations of talented female leaders continue making waves across this vital sector.
Although there are still challenges to overcome, women's influence in construction is stronger than ever before. As more and more women enter the field, they are proving that gender has no bearing on one's ability to excel as a builder or engineer. Women bring unique perspectives and ideas to the table, which can only strengthen the industry.
When asked how she sees the future of women working in the crane and construction industries, Gabel said it's low, with a gradual increase based on current trends.
"A handful of years ago, we were at 6%; now we're at 10%. I think we're gradually seeing more women view this as an opportunity and create an environment that's more accepting and gender tailored," said Gable.
As we look to the future, it is clear that women will continue to play an increasingly important role in construction. Their trailblazing influence will not only shape the industry, but inspire future generations to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the world.
