A REVIEW OF THE CHALLENGES OF WOMEN IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Keywords:
Challenges; Construction industryAbstract
The inclusion and fairness of women in today’s modern society is an indicator of the socio-economic and cultural advancement of that society. Unfortunately, women make up just about 10% of the total workforce in the construction industry which is mostly due to the perceived notion that the construction industry is a man’s world, as well as the hostile working conditions they encounter. Hence, this study seeks to investigate the challenges faced by the female gender in the construction industry, and to identify strategies to improve active involvement of the female gender in the construction industry. A literature review approach was adopted where data from peer reviewed academic publications were reviewed. Findings from this study grouped the challenges faced by the female gender in the construction industry into six categories (discrimination, culture, working condition, abuse, career development, and family commitments), and identified several strategies to improve active involvement of the female gender in the construction industry from literature. The study recommends prosecution of sexual harassment cases, flexible working conditions, and promoting education, training, and professional development for women.
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