This state 'needs 100,000 construction workers urgently' yet women are leaving. Here's why

New research by the NSW Building Commission has revealed that stereotypes, discrimination, and biases against women run deep in the construction industry.

Women are subjected to severe discrimination in the construction industry, a government report finds. Builder Nisha Bajaj (Left) and Planning and Programs Executive Director, Building Commission NSW Vanessa Carmody-Smith share their views. Credit: Supplied by Nisha Bajaj/NSW Government

Key Points

• A Building Commission NSW report finds women in the construction industry face a lack of adequate facilities like specific toilets and PPE kits.
• One in two women has faced sexual harassment in the industry, according to the report.
• It reports that 80 per cent of the industry employs less than 5 per cent women.

The Building Commission NSW has released a critical report on the participation of women in the industry. The report, titled 'Women In Construction', delves into why women either leave the industry or are hesitant to join it.

Nish Bajaj runs her own building company and has been in the industry for more than a decade. In her opinion, women are to "nowhere be found" in the industry.

"I hardly see women working in the industry. They still work in the administrative departments but not in the field. I remember that even while studying construction, I had no female classmates," she told SBS Hindi.

Small and medium companies make up 80 percent of this industry and, according to the report, this cohort employs less than 5 percent women.

Nisha Bajaj is a builder and has been running her own construction company for over a decade. Credit: Supplied by Nisha Bajaj

Building Commission NSW Policy and Programs Executive Director Vanessa Carmody-Smith shared that the construction industry needs at least 100,000 more workers to meet the housing targets in the state.

She said the paucity of housing facilities is a significant factor in the rising cost of living pressure in Australia, with the construction industry suffering substantial setbacks during the COVID lockdowns.

Vanessa Carmody-Smith is the Executive Director Policy & Programs, Building Commission NSW. Credit: Supplied by NSW Government

The report finds that 46 per cent of men in the industry feel that women cannot sustain the 'strength-intensive' demands of the industry. Where one in two women reported experiencing sexual harassment, 71 per cent have faced some level of gender discrimination in the industry.

Bajaj shared, "Many of the tradies I employ still find it hard to believe that I am the builder. It takes extra effort to convince the clients that the quality of work would be as good. Discrimination happens at all levels."

"The lack of basic facilities like onsite toilets and protective gear was another serious concern."

The industry is designed for men. It does not anticipate women's participation.

Nish Bajaj, building company owner

"I am still waiting to receive the right-sized PPE gear for myself. It is an everyday struggle that women should be determined to overcome," she said.

Smith said this should not be a struggle.

"The special protective gear for both men and women is available, and women should rightfully demand it. The industry should be inclusive for both men and women."

Male and female architects discuss while using a digital tablet at a construction site. Credit: Morsa Images/Getty Images

She further shared that the findings of this report should be an eye-opener for the industry to change its workplace culture.

But whereas Bajaj argued change has to come from the policy makers, Smith has a different view.

"A mere policy change will not bring about the development needed to build an inclusive industry. The report should act as a guide for the industry for attitude adjustment, and workplace behaviour changes and lead the way for the government and all stakeholders," she said.

Another noteworthy finding of the report was that the roles for women in the construction industry are not adequately advertised and that there was a lack of exposure to the industry for young women.

The report was based on 1,792 responses, with 36 one-on-one interviews and nine focus groups.

Tune into SBS Hindi at 5 pm every day and follow us on Facebook and TwitterX.