Think of construction and you typically think of men in reflective vests and hard hats. Ask most people and the idea of a female electrician, plumber, supervisor or even development manager on a building site is somewhat of an uncommon concept. Even in recent decades, as women have been stepping more forcefully into the workforce, the trades in general and electrical work specifically are still overwhelmingly male.  

So, the question is...why? 

Struggles Faced by Women in the Built Environment 

Today, only about 3.7% of electricians are women, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), though this number is rising—up 2% since 2020. This might not seem like a lot, but when you consider that the number has basically doubled, it’s fairly astounding. 

While the increasing participation of women in the built environment brings numerous benefits, it also highlights several struggles unique to their experiences in these fields. Despite the progress made, gender bias and stereotyping remain significant challenges for women in the built environment. Many women face preconceived notions about their capabilities and roles in these professions. A survey by the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) revealed that 72% of female respondents felt they had to prove their competence more than their male counterparts. 

Many women also encounter incredible amounts of sexism and harassment on the job as well, which is a major deterrent to other women joining the industry. 

 “When you’re a woman and an apprentice, you don’t want to rock the boat,” Vanessa Carman, a tradesperson of 20 years said. “You don’t say things when someone grabs your butt, you don’t say things when someone spits on your tools or calls you ‘princess’ or vandalize the site’s women-only port-a-potty. You don’t say things because you can’t say things.”  

Carman says she was the first to be laid off from a job on the light rail platform. Women are often subjected to “checkerboarding,” a practice of moving women and minorities from job to job, hiring them only to fulfill minimum participation goals that sometimes exist on public projects, but laying them off quickly when the goal is met. 

Work-Life Balance 

Even apart from the blatant misogyny, balancing work and personal life can be particularly challenging for women in the built environment. The demanding nature of these professions, often requiring long hours and physical labor, can make it difficult to manage family responsibilities. A report by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) found that 60% of women in construction struggle with work-life balance, compared to 47% of men.  

Sharon Hidalgo, Co-Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for National Women in Construction, emphasizes the importance of removing barriers for women in the industry, saying, "The best childcare program in the world does not work if it doesn't help a mom get to an early morning jobsite.” 

Maria Gonzalez, a plumber and single mother of two, also shares her experience: "Juggling work and family responsibilities is tough. The long hours and physical demands of my job make it challenging to be there for my kids as much as I'd like. It's a constant struggle to find a balance. My ex-husband however, doesn’t feel the pressure to perform this way, Sure, he’s a father of two, but he can put his job first and no one bats an eye. If I try to, I’m a bad mother.” 

Leadership as a Woman 

I got to chat with a woman who’s been in construction for 17 years, leading a crew of her own as a field engineer. Jael Schlafer works in Mendham, New Jersey, alongside a crew of 28 people, most of whom are men. As the field engineer, she calls the shots, much to the disappointment of some of her team. 

“Some of the boys think I’m soft and they can pull a fast one on me—either by slacking off or by disobeying my instructions because they think they know better,” Jeal tells me. “I get talked back to and ignored more than any other foreperson I’ve ever met. The thing that gets me the most is that it’s the older men who have a problem with my authority. They think that because they’re older than me, and not a women, that they know more than I do. But they’ve been in the industry for the same number of years that I have, and they’ve never been promoted. So...” she laughs, “that should speak for itself, I guess.” 

Jael explained that since starting her career at the age of 18, everyone has been telling her to reevaluate her choices. But she insists that she wanted to be in construction and never let them talk her out of it. 

“I had to prove to so many people that I was better than the boys, which isn’t sure fair. None of them had to prove that they were better than anyone. Hell, none of them even needed to prove that they were more than adequate.”  

As a leader, Jael still faces misogyny from clients and crew alike. She told me that one client nearly called off the job when they saw her leading the build.  

“I try not to let it get to me. I know what I’m capable of and I’m not an 18-year-old greenhorn anymore. I worked my ass off to get here. No one can tell me sh*t about my skills as a builder or an engineer—well they can, but I won’t be listening. 

Benefits of Women in the Built Environment 

One of the significant benefits of having women in the built environment is the introduction of diverse perspectives, which fosters innovation. A study by McKinsey & Company found that companies with gender diversity are 21% more likely to outperform their competitors in profitability. Women's unique viewpoints and problem-solving approaches can lead to innovative solutions and improved project outcomes. 

“My first journeyperson was a woman,” one reddit user in r/electricians says. “She is still to this day the best electrician I have ever learned from. She had insane attention to detail; her panel work was amazing, and I learned so much from her.” Another responds, saying that “Women often bring different perspectives to the table, which can challenge the status quo and lead to more creative and effective solutions. This diversity in thought is crucial for innovation in our industry." 

Women are often noted for their strong communication and collaboration skills especially evident in the built environment. These qualities can enhance team dynamics and improve project efficiency. In a study by the Construction Industry Institute, teams with higher gender diversity were found to have better communication and collaboration, leading to more successful project outcomes.

One woman in the r/electrician subreddit shares, "I’ve been a project manager in the construction field for almost ten years now and while getting started was tough, my peers know that I can hold my own and sometimes even outperform them.” She goes on to say that “Many of my work partners had doubts about my ability to handle the physical labor on the job site, but I shut that sh*t down day one. It’s 2024! I’m just as capable as my male counterparts and those who refuse to accept this will fall behind in this industry.” 

Labor Shortages 

The built environment faces significant labor shortages, particularly in trades such as electricians, plumbers, and mechanics. Encouraging more women to enter these professions can help address these shortages. According to the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), women make up only 9.9% of the construction industry workforce. Increasing this percentage can help fill the gap and ensure a steady supply of skilled labor.  

Additionally, companies that actively promote gender diversity often enjoy a better reputation and appeal to a broader talent pool. A report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) highlights that gender-inclusive workplaces tend to attract top talent and enjoy higher employee retention rates. This alone is a great place to start in minimizing the labor shortages in the United States.  

Addressing These Challenges 

Promoting gender equality and diversity in the built environment requires a concerted and pointed effort from industry stakeholders and leadership. This kind of change doesn’t happen overnight or by accident. It has to be purposeful. An example of this includes implementing policies and practices that support equal opportunities and address gender bias. Companies can conduct regular training sessions on diversity and inclusion, establish clear anti-discrimination policies, and actively promote gender diversity in hiring and promotions. 

To support work-life balance, companies can offer flexible work arrangements, such as adjustable work hours and remote work options where feasible. Providing access to childcare facilities and parental leave can also help women manage their professional and personal responsibilities more effectively. 

Addressing the physical demands and safety concerns in the built environment requires the design and provision of suitable equipment and safety gear for women. Manufacturers and companies should collaborate to develop PPE that fits women properly and meets their specific needs. This will help ensure their safety and comfort on the job. As the built environment continues to evolve, the active participation of women will play a crucial role in driving innovation and progress. 

The Big “Why” 

So why don't we see more women in the built environment? Well, based on what I’m hearing from the women in the industry, it's a mix of old-school attitudes and unfortunate roadblocks. The industry has long been a boys' club that can make women feel unwelcome or undervalued. Plus, lack of support for things like maternity leave or flexible hours make it tough on women with families.

Throw in the lack of female role models in leadership, it’s even more discouraging. It's a tough cycle to break, but recognizing these issues is the first step to challenging stereotypes, promoting equality, and supporting women who choose these careers, showing that the built environment can be a place for everyone.