Women in the industry are here to stay but they need the support to do so

There is a persistent narrative in the construction industry that women simply aren't interested in careers within it, or that those who do enter leave quickly because the work isn't for them. But when you actually ask women working in the sector, a very different reality emerges.

There is a persistent narrative in the construction industry that women simply aren't interested in careers within it, or that those who do enter leave quickly because the work isn't for them. But when you actually ask women working in the sector, a very different reality emerges.

Over the past few months, we surveyed 86 women across the construction industry to better understand what they truly need, the barriers they face, and what kind of support would genuinely change outcomes.

What we found strongly challenges the assumptions the industry has held for decades.

A highly committed workforce

It is easy to assume that women leaving the industry is due to a lack of capability or interest. In reality, the women we spoke to are incredibly committed to their long-term careers.

In our survey, a strong majority of 60% respondents explicitly stated that they plan to stay in the construction industry until retirement. They view this as their lifelong career. The challenge isn't a lack of dedication to the industry; it's surviving and navigating systemic barriers in environments that were never designed with their experiences in mind.

A powerful desire to drive systemic change

Another striking insight from our research is how eager these women are to help fix the system. They aren't just looking for individual success; they want to pave the way for the next generation.

When asked what would motivate them to share more about their lived experiences, 86% of respondents highlighted that knowing their information is "directly improving the industry" was their primary motivator.

They are willing to share the reality of their day-to-day challenges if they know it will lead to meaningful, structural reform. As one participant perfectly captured it:

"Women in the industry are here, they just need the support".

Time, isolation, and the need for safety

While the desire to connect and support one another is strong, the practicalities of doing so remain difficult. Women in the trades are incredibly time-poor. "Lack of time" and "heavy workloads" were repeatedly cited as the biggest barriers that prevented them from engaging with existing networks.

Furthermore, existing public forums simply don't offer the psychological safety required to speak honestly about the difficulties they face. Whether it is asking a technical question without being judged or navigating isolation on site, women need spaces where they can connect and share their experiences without fear of professional repercussions or hostility.

Building the right foundations

These insights reinforce exactly why we are creating We Build Too. We are listening closely to the lived experiences of women and letting their realities shape the solution.

If we want an industry that retains its talent, we cannot simply expect women to adapt to environments that isolate them. Women in construction are already here, and they are ready to build a better future for the sector. It is time we provided the safe, supportive, and accessible foundations they need to do it.

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Get in touch: hello@webuildtoo.com

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