Building Her Story: A New Era for Indian Women in the Construction Sector

This article has been contributed by Jasna Bedi, CMO, BCD Group.

The Indian construction sector, one of the largest employers after the agricultural sector, was once regarded as a male-dominated field. It still is, but women are beginning to break barriers. Over 40 million people work in the construction sector, which will likely grow at a compounded annual rate of over 6% between 2024-2033. Regardless of the staggering number, women in this sector have always been relegated to the lowest-paying jobs. Nonetheless, a new chapter of change is unfolding as women are now steadily gaining their footing in this sector; this indicates an encouraging trend for women's participation.

Until recently, Indian women were mainly concentrated in unskilled manual work in the construction industry. However, as infrastructure and construction firms have realised the value of inclusiveness, they began implementing policies that encouraged women's involvement in skilled work and managerial levels. 

Diversity–a Business Necessity

Having more women in construction is not just about equality. It is a business imperative. A diverse workplace brings together different perspectives, besides driving more effective decision-making. It also addresses the industry's shortage of skilled labour. 

Women also bring unique strengths to the construction sector. Studies have found that women pay greater attention to detail, are quick learners, and possess good work ethics, all of which are valuable attributes in the construction and infrastructure industries.

Nowadays, women are increasingly hired in the construction sector as plant and equipment operators, site supervisors, and even project managers. As the industry expands and modernises, businesses have realised that a gender-balanced workforce can make operations more productive and efficient.

Indian construction companies have also realised that diverse leadership drives innovation and improves decision-making. Consequently, women are stepping into leadership positions in the construction sector, and forward-thinking real estate firms are actively promoting gender diversity in executive roles. Also, training, counselling, and funding for aspiring professional women have reduced the discrimination against them and allowed them an even playing field.

Additionally, perceptions toward women in the construction sector have also started to change. As more women enter and perform well in the industry, society's perspectives are slowly changing. The visibility of women in technical and leadership capacities is breaking down traditional stereotypes, and the construction sector is welcoming more women professionals. This attitudinal shift, although slow, is an important step toward ending the cycle of gender-based constraints.

Supportive mentorship and equal opportunities are some of the steps being taken to engage women more significantly in this industry. This is not a symbolic move to check diversity boxes but a deliberate step to utilise women’s contribution to this industry.

Women Entrepreneurs Driving Change

Entrepreneurship is another significant driver of change. Women-led construction businesses are sprouting up and breaking the conventional mould. According to Knight Frank-RICS reports, the construction sector employs a 7.1 crore workforce, which will surpass 10 crore by 2030. Likewise, the WTC and Primus Partners report shows that the sector employs only 70 lakh women workers compared to 500 lakh male workers. Though women’s participation seems negligible, their inclusion is steadily increasing. As their numbers multiply, so does the demand for policies that support female entrepreneurs in this field.

The economic benefits of integrating more women into the workforce are enormous. A McKinsey Global report estimates that increased female participation in India's labour force could add $700 billion to global GDP. This alone should push policymakers and business leaders to invest in programs that inspire women to pursue careers in construction/infrastructure.

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Challenges on the Path to Equality

A career in construction is not without challenges for women. Gender discrimination, hostile working environments, and social stereotyping discourage them from entering the profession. The belief that women are best suited for clerical or administrative jobs instead of substantive construction work such as engineering, site management, or operating heavy equipment still inhibits opportunities.

But change is in the air, and shifting industry needs have created new opportunities. The industry's shortage of skilled labour has compelled employers to re-examine hiring strategies and encouraged more women to be included in various positions.

The Reality Check–Gender Gap Still Persists

Inclusiveness in the construction sector is impossible without women's presence. A 2023 McKinsey report indicates that boards with diversity are 27% more likely to outperform non-diverse boards. Though favourable initiatives are driving women towards prestigious roles in the infrastructure/construction sector, statistics look disheartening. In India, women occupy only 18.3% of the board seats and 4.1% of the board chairs. However, women's representation in senior leadership has reached 18.5% in 2024 though at a much lower baseline. Another report by the World Trade Centre (WTC) and Primus Partners highlights that women occupy less than 2% of executive roles in Indian construction firms, with even fewer in managerial positions. Much work still needs to be done to make sure that qualified women are involved in the industry and provided equal opportunities to climb the ladder of leadership.

Global Perspectives–Lessons from Around the World

Cross-comparisons against global trends reveal that India is not alone in this fight. Women in Australia make up a paltry 12% of the construction sector, and ASEAN countries are also on a similar mission to increase the role of women in infrastructure development. However, global initiatives, such as ASEAN's Gender Mainstreaming Strategic Framework, show how regional coordination can be more effective. India can learn from these to formulate its own policies to boost the role of women in infrastructure development.

Paving the Way Forward

Since the construction industry is changing fundamentally, women are becoming increasingly engaged in every aspect of the field. These changes are breaking down old stereotypes and creating opportunities for future generations of female leaders. Furthermore, many organisations are taking up CSR initiatives to introduce skill development and educational programs with adequate employment avenues. 

Although policies and corporate efforts strive to build a more inclusive world, change will only happen once the industry understands women's worth. Eliminating structural barriers, promoting a safe working environment, and laying out clear career progression channels are imperative to tap into the untapped potential of women in the construction sector.

Dispelling barriers in India's construction sector isn't easy but Indian women are living proof that they can do it. They are not only contributing to its growth but also helping mould the infrastructure of tomorrow. The sector can develop a work environment that values diversity and empowers its women, thus setting an example for others to emulate.

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