Research by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) has highlighted the unique challenges women face in frontline construction roles.

The report identifies integral opportunities for the construction industry to build more inclusive and supportive workplaces.

The research, Boosting Retention of Women in Construction: Improving Transitions in and out of Parental Leave, explores the experiences of women working across the sector in NSW. It was funded by the NSW Government’s Women in Construction Industry Innovation Program and led by researchers at the University of Sydney.

There’s a call for cultural and structural reform to better support women through pregnancy, parental leave and return to work.

“This report shines a light on the real experiences of women in construction and provides a clear roadmap for change,” Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan says.

“We know that the parental leave period is pivotal in a woman’s decision to remain in the workforce. If we want to attract and retain women in the sector, we need to improve their experience and provide support when it’s needed.”

Several women who were interviewed were the first in their workplace to take parental leave. The stories ranged from limited support during pregnancy to difficulties balancing work and childcare responsibilities. Some also reported feeling excluded and unsafe on worksites which reinforces the need for improved policies and practices.

The NAWIC has launched a practical toolkit to assist employers in improving their policies while better supporting women throughout their parental leave.

“Just 13.6% of Australia’s construction industry is female and only 3% of trade workers are women. Construction has the highest gender pay gap of any Australian industry at 28.3%,” NAWIC co-president Atika Anwar says.

“We have to change the way we operate and changing the industry’s approach to parental leave is a good place to start. By addressing these challenges, we can create safer, fairer and more flexible environments that allow women to thrive at every stage of their careers.”