Systemic change needed to increase women in construction: report

Systemic change needed to increase women in construction: report

A new report for the Victorian Government has found women in trades and semi-skilled roles in construction experience high rates of discrimination and lack workplace support.

Released this week, the report revealed a lack of acceptance of women in the workplace, limited accountability or deterrents for inappropriate behaviour by males, and a ‘culture of silence’ that made women feel they couldn’t speak out or were punished for doing so.

Women working in a range of roles including as labourers, carpenters, electricians, painters, crane operators, traffic controllers and plumbers participated in the study.

Lead researcher, Associate Professor Sarah Holdsworth from RMIT’s School of Property, Construction and Project Management, said there was ongoing resistance to creating a workplace culture that welcomed and supported female workers.

“Without substantial and systemic change, we will continue to see the underrepresentation of women in the construction industry,” she said.

“This failure to provide a safe workplace for women contravenes occupational health and safety legislation and regulations.”

She said a zero-tolerance policy regarding inappropriate behaviour towards women was required at all levels from employers, employees and unions, to vocational providers, government and construction peak bodies.

894940802

Over the past 30 years women have consistently made up only 2% of trade and semi-skilled workers in Australian construction.

The report was commissioned by the Victorian Government as part of its Women in Construction Strategy which aims to increase participation of women in the construction industry.

Minister for Industrial Relations Tim Pallas said creating a level playing field for women in the workplace was a priority.

“No matter what industry, but especially in typically male-dominated sectors, we need and must do better in workplace equality across the board,” he said.

“More women are active in the Victorian labour market than ever before, but they make up only 2% of the workers in Australian construction – the country’s most male-dominated industry. The Andrews Labor Government is determined to change that.”

Key findings from women interviewed included:

  • 95% thought they were treated differently by men in the industry because of their gender
  • 78% commented about poor work-life balance, and how long working hours and shift work affected their health, social life and relationships
  • 72% said resilience was essential for working in trades and semi-skilled roles, saying they had a strong ability to deal with adversity, learn from it and adapt
  • 60% felt that when they faced inappropriate and challenging behaviour in their workplace, they were not always supported by their co-workers, supervisors, their employer or other support agencies such as unions

The report, Women in Construction: Exploring the Barriers and Supportive Enablers of Wellbeing in the Workplace, was authored by RMIT’s Sarah Holdsworth, Michelle Turner, Christina Scott-Young and Kara Sandri.

 

Story: Grace Taylor

05 February 2021

Share

Return to RMIT News
05 February 2021

Share

  • Research
  • Industry
  • Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
  • Property & Construction
  • Society
Engage

Related News

gelthumbnail-aus-antarctic-fellowship-25-1220x732px.jpg

RMIT academic announced as 2025 Australian Antarctic Arts Fellow

RMIT Media & Communications Lecturer, artist and filmmaker Dr Polly Stanton has been announced as the 2025 Australian Antarctic Arts Fellow.

International Conference on Climate Change

RMIT strengthens Indonesian and ASEAN partnerships at International Conference on Climate Change 2025

Earlier this week, RMIT University welcomed global thought leaders and regional partners for the 11th International Conference on Climate Change (ICCC 2025).

professor-diana-bowman-1220x732.jpeg

Professor Diana Bowman announced as inaugural Dean of Law

RMIT University has announced the appointment of Professor Diana Bowman as inaugural Dean of the School of Law, to commence in January 2026.

CommissionersatRMIT.jpg

Life-changing prison exchange program up for national innovation prize

A partnership with Corrections Victoria allowing incarcerated people to study a subject on crime and justice together with students from RMIT University has been recognised for its positive impact.

Show more
aboriginal flag float-start torres strait flag float-start

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information