Women’s participation in crane operation and other heavy machinery roles within the construction and maritime sectors has increased notably in recent years, reflecting a shift toward greater gender equality and diversity.

Historically, these professions were almost exclusively occupied by men, but multiple regions across the globe—including North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East—are witnessing more women entering, thriving, and being celebrated in these fields.

This transformation is the result of changes in societal attitudes, legislative reforms, targeted recruitment, mentorship, and recognition of the valuable attributes women bring to technical and operator roles.

Contemporary Trends and Statistics

Despite persistent gender imbalance, women are increasingly present in crane operation and construction careers.

In British Columbia, Canada, women comprised about 6% of the 182,100 tradespeople in construction in 2022, with over 33,500 women working in the industry and 31% of those employed in on-site roles.

The construction sector is proactively seeking to diversify its workforce by focusing recruitment efforts on women, Indigenous people, and newcomers, propelled in part by a growing demand for skilled operators, including those certified to run mobile cranes and similar equipment.

This push for diversity is not only about numbers but also about creating a more inclusive environment and re-examining traditional workforce structures to adapt to contemporary needs .

In Ukraine, for instance, labor shortages resulting from recent crises led to the hiring of more women in roles previously held almost exclusively by men.

Entire women’s operational teams have been formed, and processes and technologies have been adapted to be more inclusive of female workers.

Company leadership is increasingly recognizing women’s effectiveness, adaptability, and rapid career advancement, with gender equality becoming an explicit organizational goal .

Barriers and Solutions

While women’s entrance into crane operation has increased, the field remains challenging due to longstanding gender norms, stereotypes about physical ability, lack of exposure to technical education for girls, and limited support structures.

For example, in many countries, societal expectations once relegated women to less physically demanding or domestic roles, and the image of the crane operator remained male in public consciousness.

Even in contexts where physical strength is less critical due to technological advancements, such biases linger .

Efforts to dismantle these barriers have taken many forms.

In Russia, for instance, legal initiatives have been introduced to remove longstanding restrictions on women’s employment in heavy machinery and hazardous industries, opening doors to jobs such as crane operators, firefighters, and drivers.

These changes aim to eradicate wage gaps and promote equal opportunity by ending blanket bans on women's participation based on physical requirements or traditional assumptions .

Internationally, government-led programs, mentorship networks, vocational training, and supportive employer policies are being emphasized as pathways to create a more level playing field.

Many companies now actively encourage diversity and promote women into technical and leadership roles.

Additional support mechanisms, such as inclusive workplace accommodations and targeted recruitment or retention campaigns, also foster gender integration.

Inspiring Case Studies of Female Crane Operators

Several women have emerged as trailblazers in crane operation, serving as powerful examples for those entering the field.

Their stories demonstrate how passion, proficiency, and perseverance, combined with institutional support, can lead to fulfilling and well-remunerated careers.

Farkhana Safargaleeva in Russia became a crane operator directly after high school.

Over her career, spanning into her near-retirement years, she contributed to the construction of numerous buildings and now mentors younger workers.

Her company, with 25 women among a staff of 152, values female professionals as skilled and essential contributors.

Safargaleeva’s story exemplifies that with determination and a supportive workplace, women can have long, successful careers in heavy machinery .

Similarly, in China, Li Rui began working as a tower crane operator in her twenties, attracted by the job’s stability and respectable compensation—she saved over 70,000 yuan in less than a year.

Li’s workplace has improved facilities, such as air-conditioned dorms, and offers regular pay.

She invests in obtaining new certifications to expand her skills, displaying the ambition and continuous learning that characterize many of today’s female operators.

Her experience showcases the practicality, stability, and growing acceptance women can find in crane operation roles .

In the maritime and port sectors of the United Arab Emirates, Emirati women now routinely operate giant pier cranes and gantry cranes—once perhaps the most visible symbols of male-dominated industry—while overseeing the docking of large vessels.

Their presence in these critical, high-profile jobs is supported by national government strategies, training initiatives, and international events like Expo 2020 Dubai, which contributed to the normalization and celebration of women’s professional achievements in maritime construction .

Additional stories from other regions further illustrate the diverse backgrounds of women entering heavy machinery roles.

For example, in Taiwan, a 29-year-old woman switched from business management to wind power technology—another field often dominated by men.

Through a government-supported program, she acquired safety certifications, secured employment with an international company, and achieved new levels of professional stability and compensation, demonstrating the value of targeted training and persistence .

In the United Kingdom, high-profile women like Milly Everatt, who shifted from modeling to driving heavy goods vehicles, have brought further public attention to the possibilities for women in the wider field of heavy equipment and logistics.

Such visibility serves to inspire and normalize women’s presence in all aspects of logistics and construction .

Advice and Practical Resources for Aspiring Women

For women interested in crane operation or related construction careers, the landscape is more favorable than ever, though challenges remain.

There are several avenues and resources that can support your entry and advancement in the field.

First, investigate apprenticeship programs and vocational training opportunities: Many technical colleges, unions, and industry associations offer crane operator certifications.

Inquire about support systems for women, such as mentorship networks or women-in-trades scholarships.

Second, seek out employers and regions with strong diversity and inclusion standards.

Many firms and jurisdictions now express explicit goals to recruit and retain women in skilled operator roles.

Profiles of successful firms show that those valuing gender diversity provide formal mentoring, peer support, and clear paths to career advancement .

Third, connect with professional associations dedicated to women in trades, such as Women in Construction groups or industry-specific bodies.

Many of these organizations offer networking, events, and advocacy to advance your career.

Participating in such groups can provide community, advice, and access to further training and job opportunities.

Fourth, take advantage of government-sponsored programs, especially those designed to address labor shortages or upskill underrepresented groups, like the initiative that helped the Taiwanese wind technician enter and succeed in the field .

Finally, remain proactive in pursuing technical certifications, as crane operation typically requires formal qualification and sometimes licensing.

Continuous learning and willingness to expand your skill set—demonstrated by women like Li Rui—can make you more competitive in the job market and open further advancement .

Conclusion

The field of crane operation and heavy machinery in construction is experiencing a gradual yet unmistakable increase in gender diversity.

Women are not only entering but excelling in roles once considered inaccessible.

Changes in legislation, the evolution of company policies, adaptation of technology, and rising demand for skilled labor are dismantling historical barriers.

Success stories from countries including Russia, China, the UAE, Taiwan, and the UK highlight women’s abilities to thrive and lead in these environments.

While challenges and stereotypes persist, the construction industry offers tangible and inspiring opportunities for women equipped with the right training, support, and determination.

By leveraging available resources, supportive networks, and a commitment to skill development, women can build rewarding and well-paying careers as crane operators and contribute meaningfully to the industry's ongoing transformation .

Women’s participation in crane operation and other heavy machinery roles within the construction and maritime sectors has increased notably in recent years, reflecting a shift toward greater gender equality and diversity.

Title:

Content: Women severely underrepresented in construction, but that’s changing

What you need to know:

  • In nearly every construction site I encounter, the workforce is overwhelmingly male.
  • The term ‘foreman’ is deeply ingrained in our collective lexicon, while phrases like ‘forewoman’ or the more inclusive ‘foreperson’ remain relatively uncommon.

Across the country, construction sites are a hive of activity, with the government’s ambitious affordable housing project leading the charge. Whenever I pass through these bustling sites, I can’t help but notice the workers clad in overalls, their faces dusted with cement powder as they push wheelbarrows brimming with mortar. Amidst this flurry of activity, one figure stands out – the foreman, barking instructions and overseeing the skilled artisans, or fundis, as they are commonly known.

Interestingly, in nearly every construction site I encounter, the workforce is overwhelmingly male. Rarely do I spot a woman among the fundis, save for the occasional food vendor. Historically, the construction industry has been a predominantly male bastion, a fact reflected in the terminology we use – the term ‘foreman’ is deeply ingrained in our collective lexicon, while phrases like ‘forewoman’ or the more inclusive ‘foreperson’ remain relatively uncommon.

While the underrepresentation of women in this field is a global issue, the challenges faced by women in this industry are particularly pronounced in Africa. This gender imbalance reflects a deeper, systemic issue within the construction sector. For too long, this industry has been perceived as a ‘man’s playground’, with women often relegated to peripheral roles or excluded entirely. The reasons for this disparity are multifaceted, ranging from societal norms and gender stereotypes, to a lack of equal opportunities and support systems for women seeking careers in this field.

Limited access to education and training opportunities, particularly in Stem fields, hinders women’s preparedness for technical roles. Furthermore, societal expectations and domestic responsibilities frequently clash with the demanding nature of construction work, making it difficult for women to balance their professional and personal lives. This gender imbalance not only perpetuates inequality but also deprives the industry of the valuable contributions and perspectives that women can bring to the table. However, times are changing, and more women are breaking into the industry, driven by their passion, determination, and desire to contribute to community development. Despite obstacles such as teenage pregnancies, early marriages, and societal pressures, many carved out their place in this male-dominated field.

Their stories are a testament to the power of perseverance and an unwavering commitment to pursuing their dreams. From the high school dropout who found her calling on a construction site, to the young mother who juggled parenting responsibilities while mastering the art of bricklaying, these women have shattered stereotypes and proved that no challenge is too great when met with an indomitable spirit. Through their journeys, they have not only acquired valuable skills and experience but have also become beacons of inspiration for others.

This week, we celebrate these trailblazers, exploring their unique paths and the lessons they have learned along the way. Their stories offer a candid glimpse into the challenges and triumphs that have shaped their lives, from navigating male-dominated workplaces to balancing family responsibilities with demanding careers. As we strive to create a more inclusive and equitable society, it is imperative that we challenge the deeply ingrained biases and stereotypes that have traditionally kept women on the sidelines of the construction industry.

The government can play a pivotal role by implementing initiatives that support and empower women in this field, including investing in educational programmes, vocational training, mentorship opportunities, and inclusive policies that promote gender equality and non-discrimination. This way, we can empower a new generation of women to take their rightful place alongside their male counterparts, ushering in an era of diversity and excellence in this vital sector.

Empowering women in the construction industry can have far-reaching benefits, contributing to the overall advancement of gender equality and sustainable development in the country.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

Why are construction and maritime industries more popular with women nowadays?

Historically, these professions were almost exclusively occupied by men, but multiple regions across the globe—including North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East—are witnessing more women entering, thriving, and being celebrated in these fields.

Title:

Content: ua en ru
(not) women's professions.
How the war has changed the labor market, and Ukrainian women are increasingly mastering “male ” professions
The war has replaced the labor market, and Ukrainian women are increasingly mastering “male ” professions (Getty Images)
Author: Spetsproekt
Since the beginning of the full-scale war in many areas of the Ukrainian labor market there is a shortage of personnel.
In particular, there is a shortage of specialists in professions that are usually considered “male ”.
However, employers are ready to attract women to atypical positions, and Ukrainian women more actively respond to such vacancies and undergo retraining.
Meest, ATB and Ferrexpo tell about the professions in which women replace men during the war - in a special project for RBC-Ukraine.
Meest Group: whole women ’ s teams occupying “male ” positions
In the international postal and logistics group of companies Meest, historically, women are an integral part of the team: they work with finance, personnel, marketing, are regional directors and partners.
At the same time, due to the specifics of the work - sorting, transportation, logistics - the linear staff of the company, which is two-thirds of the staff, previously consisted mainly of men.
After the start of Russia ’ s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, this began to change.
According to the company, since February 2022, part of Meest has joined the Defense Forces: today, the state is protected by more than 130 employees of the company.
Many were forced to change their place of residence within the country or even go abroad.
“We clearly saw a change in trend around the summer of 2022.
At that time, we were able to solve the most critical issues with the help of employees, adaptation of operational work, etc.
And they restored the recruitment of people to positions that, for one reason or another, were vacant.
We noticed that it is women who respond most actively, including roles that were previously considered purely male, ” the company added.
Since then, companies have begun to attract women, and over the following months this trend has only intensified.
As of now, Meest has formed entire women ’ s teams, occupying “male ” positions.
In total, these are three categories of personnel: employees of warehouses, sorting centers, as well as heads of operational departments.
“If earlier our warehouse teams were more than 80% men, now some units are 70% women.
The distribution of the staff of warehouse centers has also changed significantly - in some areas it is already 50% to 50%, sometimes even with the advantage of female staff.
To do this, the company has changed some operational processes, as well as introduced technology so that women were comfortable working in new conditions, ” Meest said.
At first, the involvement of women in the composition, logistics were treated with caution: the work is extremely difficult both physically and morally.
Within a few months, all doubts were gone.
Women ’ s teams and women show extremely effective work.
The company distinguishes their consistency and structure, as well as elasticity and adaptability.
In general, they are always open to new knowledge and opportunities - and they are strongly supported in this.
The changes also affected the management of the operating departments – now the company has many women in these positions, more than in previous years.
And it is important that in many cases, the leaders grow from the inner team.
For example, during the war, a woman became the head of a branch in one of the regional centers, who had previously worked as an operator at this location - and now performs her own functions without complaint.
“Our plans are to attract women to the posts of couriers.
This area also has its own challenges, because we deliver packages up to 30 kg inclusive.
Therefore, here the company needs to adjust to allow women to work with less weight - and work in this direction is already underway, "the company said.
In the near future, Meest is convinced that the most active will be two categories of search engines – women, as well as veterans and veterans.
They need changes in recruiting and operating processes, so the company is actively working on this: they introduce new technologies and procedures for both women and veterans of both sexes, and for the latter they began to attract psychologists for the purpose of moral support.
“In the end, we see that our people are ready to work and give results under any circumstances.
The main thing is to create comfortable and transparent conditions for them, ” the company concluded.
ATB: the company of strong women
As of today, more than 56 thousand Ukrainians are employed at ATB enterprises, 67% of which are representatives of the fair sex.
Historically, work in grocery retail is considered female, although it requires maximum involvement and dedication.
As the experience of the company has shown, for a Ukrainian woman there is no night impossible.
Leading programmer of the company Kristina Mishchenko at one time made an ascent to the mountain with a height of 6,500 m, set the Ukrainian flag and the ATB flag on the top.
As of today, more than 4.5 thousand ATB employees have joined the ranks of the APU, the Defense Ministry and the National Guard.
If you count only male staff, then about 30% of men are mobilized.
In view of this, women have already adapted, for example, to work as security guards.
On average, almost every store in the network has such an employee.
The number of women involved in what was previously thought to be purely male positions depends on the circumstances, but in some cases it reaches 50%.
The personnel policy of the company is aimed at the development of human resources.
If a woman seeks to become a specialist of an extra-class, to take the coveted position, then a priori cannot be any conventions.
In particular, we are talking about the so-called division into traditionally "female" or "male" positions.
However, it is important to understand that not all women can do men ’ s work.
The complete absence of gender stereotypes in the company proves that more than two thirds of the staff are women.
Among colleagues and business partners, ATB is even called a company of strong women.
“Through dedicated work, the company has withstood the powerful blow of a full-scale invasion, acquired the title of“ network of indestructibility ” and became an outpost of food security of the whole country, ” the company says.
In the ATB, there were many examples of how women work effectively and quickly climb the career ladder in professions that can be considered “male ”, for example, leading key regions, dealing with safety, security, etc.
Also, the company is proud of its training centers in Dnipro, Kiev, Lviv and Odessa.
Annually more than 4 thousand employees undergo free training and improve their skills there.
There are no gender restrictions or stereotypes.
“Women and men gain new skills, master the desired professions, become specialists of the highest level and quickly rise to career levels in the team of the leader of domestic retail.
As for the "male" professions, our women master the specialty of "loader driver".
It is possible to “work ” such physically difficult activities, but such a replacement will be incredibly valuable and very slow.
Therefore, the solution of this issue was taken into their hands by our guardians, ” the ATB stated.
Ferrexpo: support for women 's leadership and decrees for men
Ferrexpo is one of the trendsetters of large Ukrainian business, demonstrating an integrated approach to issues of inclusiveness and gender equality.
In 2022, the company signed the Women ’ s Empowerment Principles to promote gender equality.
Therefore, one of the group's priorities is diversity at the managerial level and the promotion of career opportunities for women.
Since 2020, Ferrexpo has been implementing a comprehensive DE & I strategy, implementing the principles of inclusiveness and gender equality.
Thanks to her, over the past three years, the number of women in leadership positions in Grade 10 + (management staff) has increased by 60%.
The share of women in leadership positions in 2022 was 21%, the goal is to reach the figure of 25% by 2030.
“The introduction of ideas of gender equality has increased the stability of staff, readiness for innovation and the ability to respond quickly to the challenges of the time.
This decision allowed us to strengthen relations with foreign partners, because they are pleased to cooperate with companies where the same level of trust in managers and managers, ” the company said.
According to her, within enterprises, this has allowed to change the views of male skeptics and successfully overcome prejudices against female leaders.
The employees of the enterprises felt their value for the production process, which motivated them to further develop their professional qualities.
Elena Nikolaevchuk-Neroda, who has been working as a driver of motor vehicles in her career at Yeristovsky GOK since 2018, dreamed of driving a car since childhood.
This dream she was able to realize in Ferrexpo.
At one time, Elena was offered a job as a BelAZ driver, and she agreed, although she did not have previous experience driving such a car.
The nuances of work during the internship were taught by experienced mentors.
For 5 years of work, Elena worked in a career on a car, after obtaining a driving license of category C, she began to drive MAZ and KrAZ dump trucks.
Then switched to more powerful Bell and Caterpillar with a carrying capacity of 40 and 90 tons, already has a certificate that allows you to control the 220-ton.
In the future, Elena plans to master other mining equipment - a bulldozer and an excavator.
In addition, the company has a male decree program that allows women to continue their career growth.
If in the family of Ferrexpo employees a woman wants to leave maternity leave earlier in order to continue to grow professionally, a man can take care of the child until he reaches the age of three.
At the same time, the company takes care that the family income does not become less: if a man has a large salary, but goes on maternity leave and the family because of this decreases the total income, Ferrexpo compensates for this amount.
“The hardest thing about the decree is not being able to work, I missed my job very much.
I am grateful to the man who supported my desire to return to the workplace in a year.
This is our second daughter, so I am sure that my husband will cope, and I can safely perform everyday duties, ” admits Olga Romantsova, a specialist in the production department of the foundry and mechanical workshop.
The practice of “male ” decrees is gaining momentum, because the company understands the importance of development for both men and women.
In general, the company will emphasize that the Ferrexpo workforce is a community where everyone has access to equal opportunities - mastering new professions, improving skills, career growth and development of the company, regardless of gender.
In addition, the company received the opportunity to replenish the team with professional personnel (both men and women), especially with regard to vacancies that became critical in the conditions of martial law.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

This transformation is the result of changes in societal attitudes, legislative reforms, targeted recruitment, mentorship, and recognition of the valuable attributes women bring to technical and operator roles.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?

inclusive policies
mentorship opportunities

Why are construction and maritime industries more popular with women nowadays?

Contemporary Trends and Statistics

Despite persistent gender imbalance, women are increasingly present in crane operation and construction careers.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

In British Columbia, Canada, women comprised about 6% of the 182,100 tradespeople in construction in 2022, with over 33,500 women working in the industry and 31% of those employed in on-site roles.

Title:

Content: Short-term contractions in British Columbia’s construction sector are short lived, with the residential sector poised to drive growth to 2032

OTTAWA, Ontario, April 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — British Columbia’s construction sector enjoyed another strong year of growth in 2022, with investment levels in both the residential and non-residential sectors rising to peaks. The former was sustained by high levels of real-estate demand, while the latter was supported by a series of ongoing engineering-construction projects and strong investments in hospitals and health care facilities.

Construction demands are expected to contract in the near term, with elevated interest rates curbing residential demand and work concluding on key major non-residential projects.

BuildForce Canada released its 2023–2032 Construction and Maintenance Looking Forward report for British Columbia today. It finds that after recording strong gains in 2021 and 2022, employment is poised to contract in the short term due to a modest decline in residential construction related to rising interest rates and the wind down of work on several major projects in the province. A series of increases follow through the remainder of the forecast period, mostly in the residential sector, with total employment reaching more than 4% above 2022 levels by 2032. These numbers are based on existing known demands and do not take into account the federal government’s goal to double the number of new homes built across Canada over the next 10 years, nor the anticipated increase in demand for construction services related to the retrofit of existing residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings to accommodate the electrification of the economy.

“British Columbia has been one of the busiest construction markets in Canada for several years, with many major non-residential projects stacked on top of a booming residential sector,” says Bill Ferreira, Executive Director of BuildForce Canada. “Although both will likely experience modest declines in activity in the short term, higher levels of migration into the province will boost residential construction activity across the medium and long terms, while activity in the non-residential sector will fluctuate with the ebb and flow of work on several major projects.”

A full analysis of British Columbia’s construction sector requires detailed looks at not only the provincial market as a whole, but also at the two key provincial sub-markets: the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. Both have their own unique market conditions.

The Lower Mainland construction market, which includes Greater Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Sunshine Coast, Squamish, and Lillooet, accounts for approximately 60% of the province’s construction employment. Regional activity strengthened again in 2022, led by peak levels of investment in both the residential and non-residential sectors.

Total construction employment in the Lower Mainland construction market is expected to contract through to 2026, as losses in the residential sector offset gains in the non-residential sector. Thereafter, it rises to the end of the forecast period, increasing by 3% to 2032, with employment in the non-residential sector accounting for all of the increase. Residential employment is mostly unchanged.

The Vancouver Island construction market, which includes the Capital Region, Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Alberni-Clayoquot, Strathcona, Comox Valley, Powell River, Mount Waddington, and Central Coast, also experienced growth in 2022. Activity was supported by a modest increase in residential investment and stronger growth in the non-residential sector. Construction employment is expected to contract by just over 3% across the forecast period, as residential employment declines by nearly 4% from its 2022 peak, and non-residential employment is virtually unchanged.

BuildForce Canada projects that British Columbia’s construction industry will need to recruit 52,600 additional workers over the forecast period to keep pace with expansion and replacement demands. More than 38,000 of those workers – or 20% of the 2022 construction labour force – are expected to retire during this period. Although the addition of almost 34,000 workers under the age of 30 from local recruitment efforts will help to offset these retirements, the labour force faces a near-term need for large numbers of experienced skilled workers. By 2032, the industry could face a deficit of 18,700 workers unless anticipated recruitment is increased.

The development of skilled tradespersons in the construction industry takes years, and often requires participation in a provincial apprenticeship program. New registrations in British Columbia’s 25 largest construction trade programs have fluctuated in recent years, despite an overall increase of 14% in employment between 2013 and 2019.

Based on projected new registrations and completion trends, several trades may be at risk of undersupplying the number of new journeypersons required by 2032. Trades within this group include Boilermaker, Bricklayer, Carpenter, Gas Fitter, Glazier, Heavy Equipment Operator, Industrial Instrumentation Technician, Industrial Mechanic, Insulator, Lather, Mobile Crane Operator, Painter and Decorator, Powerline Technician, Roofer, and Welder.

The construction industry remains focused on building a more diverse and inclusive labour force. To that end, efforts are ongoing to enhance the recruitment of individuals from groups traditionally under-represented in the province’s construction labour force, such as women, Indigenous People, and newcomers to Canada.

In 2022, there were approximately 33,500 women employed in British Columbia’s construction industry – a contraction of about 5% from 2021 levels. Of them, 31% worked directly in on-site construction. As a share of the total, women represented just 6% of the 182,100 tradespeople employed in the industry in 2022. That figure is unchanged from 2021.

The Indigenous population is another under-represented group that presents recruitment opportunities for British Columbia’s construction industry. In 2021, Indigenous workers accounted for 6.2% of the province’s construction labour force, which is a slight increase from 2016. It is also notably higher than the share of Indigenous People represented in the overall labour force. As the Indigenous population is the fastest growing in Canada and Indigenous workers seem predisposed to the pursuit of careers within the sector, there may be scope to further increase the recruitment of Indigenous People into the province’s construction industry.

The construction industry is also committed to the recruitment of newcomers to Canada. Historically, newcomers and more established immigrants have accounted for about one quarter of British Columbia’s construction workforce. With the province expected to welcome an average of just under 80,000 newcomers every year through 2032, based on historical settlement trends, the immigrant population will be a key potential source of labour force growth for the construction sector.

Increasing the participation rate of women, Indigenous People, and new Canadians could help British Columbia’s construction industry address its future labour force needs.

BuildForce Canada is a national industry-led organization that represents all sectors of Canada’s construction industry. Its mandate is to support the labour market development needs of the construction and maintenance industry. As part of these activities, BuildForce works with key industry stakeholders, including contractors, proponents of construction, labour providers, governments, and training providers to identify both demand and supply trends that will impact labour force capacity in the sector, and supports the career searches of job seekers wanting to work in the industry. BuildForce also leads programs and initiatives that support workforce upskilling, workforce productivity improvements, improvements to training modalities, human resource tools to support the adoption of industry best practices, as well as other value-added initiatives focused on supporting the industry’s labour force development needs. Visit www.buildforce.ca.

For further information, contact Bill Ferreira, Executive Director, BuildForce Canada, at [email protected] or 613-569-5552 ext. 2220.

This report was produced with the support and input of a variety of provincial construction and maintenance industry stakeholders. For local industry reaction to this latest BuildForce Canada report, please contact:

Chris Atchison
President
British Columbia Construction Association
(250) 818-9671

Kim Barbero
CEO
Mechanical Contractors Association of British Columbia
604-205-5058

Paul de Jong
President
Progressive Contractors Association of Canada
403-620-3781

Kelly Scott
President
BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association
604-436-0220

Rob Viccars
Communications & Marketing
Canadian Homebuilder’s Association of British Columbia
604-432-7112 ext. 301

Funded by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program.

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Barriers and Solutions

While women’s entrance into crane operation has increased, the field remains challenging due to longstanding gender norms, stereotypes about physical ability, lack of exposure to technical education for girls, and limited support structures.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What challenges do women in the construction and maritime  industries face?

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Efforts to dismantle these barriers have taken many forms.

Title:

Content: People 's Daily Online > > Economy and Technology
Let farmers live sesame blossoms high
January 14, 2022 06: 07 | Source: People's Daily - People's Daily
Small number
Figure 1: Shuangfeng County in Hunan Province develops lantern manufacturing and processing industry, driving farmers to increase income.
Recently, in the employment poverty alleviation workshop of Sangyuan community in Jinkai Street, employees are driving red lanterns.
Photo by Naijihui (People 's Vision)
Figure 2: In the corn drying field of Sanzha Village, Sanzha Town, Ganzhou District, Zhangye City, Gansu Province, large-scale thresher carried out corn threshing operations.
Photo by Yang Yongwei (People 's Vision)
Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Core reading
Just past 2021, from the beginning to the end of the year, the majority of farmers worked hard and worked hard, in exchange for heavy harvests.
This year, absolute poverty has been eradicated, mountains and villages have changed dramatically, mountains and rivers have become a well-off society, and things have been good for the people and the years have been good.
Looking back, the harvest is full; looking forward, the future can be expected.
This year, the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) will be held to ensure a stable and healthy economic environment and a peaceful social environment.
The new journey of the new mission, the development of "three rural" to open a new chapter, consolidate and expand the achievements of poverty alleviation, comprehensively promote rural revitalization, so that the majority of farmers' lives sesame flowers high, the field of hope is full of vitality.
Grain farmer Qiu Jiebo
High efficiency chain extension
Our reporter is calm.
"As long as we find the right way, there is a great future for agriculture," said Qiu Jiebo, an 85-year-old in Qinyan Village, Henghe Town, Cixi City, Zhejiang Province.
University mechanical engineering graduate, he returned to the village in 2010, registered a family farm, planting wheat, rice and other food crops, and now has been dealing with crops for more than 10 years.
Gideon has a good policy.
The city will give 20,000 to 30,000 yuan a year to college students under the age of 35 who return to their hometown to start businesses.
Qiu Jiebo said that many young people have gone out to work, and the village still relies on machinery and technology to grow land.
In June 2020, Qiu Jiebo purchased the first unmanned rice transplanter in Cixi City, relying on Beidou positioning system and Internet of Things technology to “intelligently upgrade ” the traditional rice transplanter. Qiu Jiebo lamented:“ The intelligent agricultural machine can plan the optimal route by itself, complete automatic rice transplanting, intelligent obstacle avoidance, turning and other operations, which is very convenient! ”
In Cixi, the late rice harvest begins in early November every year, which is also the busiest day of Qiu Jiebo - receive the study tour team during the day, take the students to experience cutting rice, beating rice, drying, and grasp the processing of rice at night, packaging finished rice.
"Last year, I planted more than 200 mu of rice, all of 'Jiahe 218' high-quality japonica rice, each mu yield of thousands of jin, half sold to the grain warehouse, about 1.5 yuan per jin. The rest of the processing sold to the market." Qiu Jiebo said of the grain industry is very proud.
Over the years, he registered a trademark and took the brand route, "our rice can sell 3.5 to 4 yuan per catty, and the husk is provided to the farmers as feed, 7 yuan per catty, and the gross profit can reach more than 100,000 yuan a year."
From planting to hosting, to processing and sales, and rice paddies to study, Qiu Jiebo tasted the sweetness of elongating the food industry chain.
The town is a key food producing area in Cixi City.
In the past two years, the town has set up a professional cooperative association of Jinsui Agricultural Machinery Service Co., Ltd., and the young Qiu Jiebo was elected as the head of the association. Grain farmers integrate into the modern agricultural industry chain.
Qiu Jiebo said confidently: "We will definitely expand the area of grain growing."
A few days ago, the farm has signed a new transfer contract for 300 acres of land.
Next, we must strengthen rice processing, carry out socialized services, and let more farmers meet a bumper harvest through mechanized grain growing. "
Expatriate worker Li Rui
Stable income in hand
This reporter is often Qin
Li Rui started a new day of work at a construction site in Xiongan New District of the Second Bureau of China Construction and Construction: Wear gloves, fasten safety belts, and prevent falling ropes, and in less than five minutes, skilfully climbed from the ground to the 50-meter high cab.
As a tower crane female driver, this less than 5 square meters of the "square grid" is Li Rui's big stage - hook, lift, yard... a series of actions clean, steel, cement, scaffold pipe and other building materials are accurately placed in the designated position.
"Eye sharp, accurate, careful, eat craft rice, heart steady!" Li Rui spirit, it is difficult to connect this double fiber slim hand with the huge tower crane boom.
In March 2021, Li Rui bid farewell to his hometown, Guizhou Bijie, and came to Xiongan New Area to work. "Less than one year, she saved more than 70,000 yuan."
The job of a tower crane driver is not easy to do.
Li Rui said: "At the beginning of climbing up and down, the legs are soft, palms are sweating, and every day to complete the workload of 80 to 100 cranes, which requires excellent psychological quality and superb operation skills." And...
A skill in hand, the monthly income "rose high", rose to more than 9,000 yuan.
Li Rui told reporters that the construction site has now set up a "special account" mechanism for the payment of wages for migrant workers.
"The monthly salary hits the personal card on time, timely and convenient.
I give money to my old relatives every month, and I feel full of achievement.
This is not, and to the child to buy a phone watch, direct video call, can be convenient! "
In addition to income, Li Rui also praised the living conditions of the construction site. “In winter, you can take a hot bath at any time. ” She said that the construction site is getting better and better for migrant workers, and every dormitory is equipped with air conditioning, 24-hour hot water, and the food is delicious and the price is not expensive.
Now the construction industry for technical jobs more and more demand, speaking of their career planning, Li Rui out a "learning investment plan": she every month from the salary to take part in the purchase of learning materials and apply for professional certificates, "art more than pressure, I plan to test an excavator certificate."
In the past year, the construction of Xiong'an New Area has been changing with each passing day, and buildings have been constantly refreshing the "height".
Li Rui is not only a "beautiful dancer" in the sky, but also a witness to the growth of the Xiongan New Area. "Look, this is the building I took from the height, beautiful..." From digging the foundation to building the tall building, from the mud and water to planting, a photo in the mobile phone is the common growth log of Li Rui and this new city.
"My New Year 's wish is to bring my children to the construction site and tell him about the happiness of growing up with the city." Li Rui' s words are full of pride.
Zhang Kang, Head of the Village Revitalization Team
Raise the lives of the poor to a higher level
Our reporter Wang Hao, Li Xiaoqing
The green mountains are stacked, a ridge of tea trees like a green belt coiled.
Zhang Kang took a deep breath, refreshing air accompanied by the fragrance of tea into the heart and spleen, "good ecology will certainly grow a good product."
In May 2021, Zhang Kang, who works at the statistical bureau of the Enshi Family Miao Autonomous Prefecture in Hubei Province, “moved ” his office to the deep mountains and became the leader of the village revitalization team of Dongzhou Village in Hefeng County.
After taking over the baton, he took lessons from the former team leader, and then held a forum without stopping and looking for villagers to do their homework.
Zhang Kang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks at a meeting with visiting
Opening the account book of the village: In 2018, the whole village was lifted out of poverty, and cement roads and running water were opened; in 2020, the per capita net income of farmers was more than 12,000 yuan...
The industry ’ s “strength ” is growing.
In the past, the villagers almost planted tea at home, but these years the market changes fast, the villagers can not keep up. "As long as we find the advantages, improve the industrial competitiveness, tea will be able to sell a good price." Zhang Kang calculated that the village is clean and beautiful, this is the biggest advantage, take the road of green development, and can not be wrong.
How to promote the new technology? Will the villagers accept it? There are many challenges ahead.
Zhang Kang and the team members held a mobilization meeting in the village, looking for large growers to demonstrate, and helping the villagers to pick up the fine accounts. "We docked with the tea factory, and the quality is good, which is higher than the market price." A trip to work, everyone's bottom is enough.
"With the organic fertilizer, the output has increased, the quality of tea is better, and each mu can earn 500 yuan more," tea farmer She Kunming said.
A family of tea farmers signed a commitment to green production, and a number of tea gardens were upgraded to ecological tea gardens.
At the end of the year, the price of fresh tea per catty was 50 yuan higher, and the tea industry is expected to drive farmers to increase their income by 3.5 million yuan a year.
With good mountains and good water, the development potential of the village is not small.
It is the new exploration of the village task force to make a workshop in the field and a tea garden into a park.
Zhang Kang opened a plan, 22 project construction points are densely marked, "When the forest fruit picking park, education and research base and other infrastructure is built, the planting and sales links can be opened," the "season harvest" becomes "season harvest", Zhang Kang said.
In October 2021, some villagers encountered a water problem. “The water tap at home does not water. ” Zhang Kang and village cadres investigated the problem, opened up water sources, and laid water pipes, and 17 villagers quickly drank tap water.
"Good management of water, in order to long-term benefit." The village team organized the villagers to set up a drinking water association, 19 pools, 25 water cellars have a special person responsible, many beneficiary farmers, party members representatives actively participate in the daily patrol.
The premise of rural revitalization is to consolidate the achievements of poverty alleviation. "We do everything in the village well, ensure that the help is kept in the file, and lead the villagers to stride toward the goal of prosperous industry, rural beauty, and rich farmers." Zhang Kangdao made his New Year's wish.
Layout: Cai Huawei
People 's Daily (January 14, 2022, 18 pages)
(Editor: Yang Guangyu, Yue Hongbin)
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In Russia, for instance, legal initiatives have been introduced to remove longstanding restrictions on women’s employment in heavy machinery and hazardous industries, opening doors to jobs such as crane operators, firefighters, and drivers.

Title:

Content: The State Duma has prepared a draft on the removal of restrictions for women to work as firefighters - RIA Novosti, 06.12.2022
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The State Duma has prepared a draft on the removal of restrictions for women to work as firefighters
The State Duma has prepared a project on the possibility for women to work as firefighters and divers
Building of the State Duma of the Russian Federation.
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MOSCOW, 6 Dec - RIA Novosti.
State Duma deputies from the faction "New people" prepared a bill proposing to remove for women restrictions on the work of firefighters, drivers, stackers, divers and the ability to work in the petrochemical, mining, metallurgical industry, the document is available to RIA Novosti.
"It seems unreasonable to prohibit women from working as firefighters, machinists, stackers, divers and other professions.
For women, these are restrictions on development in the profession and access to high-paying jobs.
For men - publicly declared unequal conditions of care for the health of citizens on the part of the state, "the authors point out in the explanatory materials.
The state Duma will consider the draft on raising the minimum wage in the second reading
The bill proposes to recognize as invalid article 253 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, which “prohibits the use of women ’ s labor in jobs associated with lifting and moving by hand weights that exceed the maximum permissible for them norms. ”
In addition, with a package of documents, a list of acts of the Ministry of Labor of the Russian Federation is attached, which are also proposed to be declared invalid.
Among them is the order of the Ministry on approval of the list of industries, works and positions with harmful and (or) dangerous working conditions in which the employment of women is restricted.
Among such industries, the order lists some works in chemical industries, underground and mining works, ferrous metallurgy and a number of other works.
“The list of prohibited professions is an ineffective concern for women ’ s health.
Many of them have to work in difficult conditions in occupations that are traditionally considered female.
For example, the law prohibits women from lifting and moving loads greater than 10 kilograms.
But nurses and nurses shift bedridden patients, who weigh much more, and often receive much less for their work than men in jobs from the “prohibited list, ” the deputies add.
As the deputy from the party Sardana Avksentyeva reported during the speech in the State Duma, the document will be submitted to the Duma on Tuesday.
In the state Duma assessed the practice of providing nannies to families mobilized
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How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?

These changes aim to eradicate wage gaps and promote equal opportunity by ending blanket bans on women's participation based on physical requirements or traditional assumptions .

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?

Internationally, government-led programs, mentorship networks, vocational training, and supportive employer policies are being emphasized as pathways to create a more level playing field.

What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?

inclusive policies
vocational training
mentorship opportunities

Many companies now actively encourage diversity and promote women into technical and leadership roles.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

active recruitment of women
promote women to higher roles

Additional support mechanisms, such as inclusive workplace accommodations and targeted recruitment or retention campaigns, also foster gender integration.

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?

Inspiring Case Studies of Female Crane Operators

Several women have emerged as trailblazers in crane operation, serving as powerful examples for those entering the field.

Title:

Content: Hana Al Hammadi (Dubai)
The UAE is strongly present in the completion of Expo 2020 Dubai, starting with the submission of the country ’ s bid to host the international exhibition for the first time in the Middle East, through the preparation of the event, and ending with the team that has been in charge of the exhibition since its launch on October 1.
The hosting of the UAE « Expo 2020 Dubai », represents a great achievement, in which Emirati women participated strongly, as the team supervising the hosting file, at the time, a large number of female citizens, and in view of the team, which oversees the projects and programs (Expo 2020 Dubai), currently we find strongly present and influential in the event.
How do women leaders see the UAE hosting Expo, and what does this international event mean for the first time in the region?
Hessa Al Malik: A Perfect Opportunity
Engineer Hessa Al Malik, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said: “When the UAE decided to host Expo 2020, it put in its strategy that those who come to Dubai will stay there, because it represents the ideal environment for doing business and dealing with the global supply chain. It ’ s a preferred investment destination. ”
“Expo 2020 Dubai will contribute to introducing the world to the UAE and looking at our unique advantages closely, and one of the most important things we are keen to bring to the world is the level that Emirati women have reached in their participation in the renaissance of the country and achieve its advancement. And still in many countries of the world.
In UAE ports, women operate giant pier cranes, control gantry cranes in container yards, and many are ship overseers, coordinating the docking of the world ’ s largest container carriers.
Many captains of giant ships may be surprised to learn of the presence of Emirati female captains on tugboats and offshore service vessels.
Nawal Al Hinai: Empowering Women
Nawal Yousef Al Hinai, Director of the Future Energy Department at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said that the UAE has impressed the world with the opening ceremony of the Expo 2020 Dubai World, which is hosted in Dubai, as part of the first major global event in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, with the participation of 192 countries from around the world.
The theme is “Connecting Minds. ”
Creating the future. ”
The exhibition is an exceptional platform for the global community to come together to discover innovative and ground-breaking solutions to the three sub-themes identified as key drivers of global development: sustainability, mobility and opportunity.
“One of the special pavilions that caught my attention during my visit to Expo 2020 is the Women ’ s Pavilion under the title ‘ Prosperity of Women, Prosperity of Humanity ’, which expresses a journey on the influence of women in making a better world.
Recognizing the pivotal role women have played throughout history to this day, and their positive contributions demonstrate that women ’ s prosperity is the prosperity of all humanity.
Mona Al Abdouli: A Historical Event
Mona Al Abdouli, Senior Vice President Corporate Assurance at Dubai Airports, said: “Expo 2020 is the beginning of something beyond an exhibition, such as attracting and localizing technology, exporting new styles and distributing them to the world, and making the UAE a starting point for technology and foreign companies, a hub for creativity and innovation and a hub for the post-Expo 2020 world.
“I see this global mega event as a promotion of the UAE and its importance in strengthening the economy of Dubai and the country in general, attracting visitors and innovators from around the world, fostering international partnerships, and serving as a platform for developing creative thinking and sustainability, enhancing youth skills and future careers, as well as boosting the tourism sector.
The readiness of Dubai Airports to receive visitors to this mega event is a milestone in the history of the event, as Dubai Airports is the front end of the Emirate of Dubai for all visitors to Expo 2020.
At Dubai Airports, we have worked around the clock to ensure passenger facilitation, speed and flexibility. Our focus has been to increase airport capacity and operational efficiency to ensure the success of this landmark event with a focus on quality improvement. The health and safety of our customers and passengers remains our number one priority.
“At Dubai Airports, we have urged to raise the level of service and operational services at the airport to reflect the honorable image of the country ’ s face to provide an exceptional and wonderful travel experience for Expo 2020 visitors, and one of the most important factors in Dubai Airports ’ success is to work as one team as men and women, and to ensure continuous coordination and readiness of all teams and staff at Dubai Airports to receive this huge event.
Iman Al-Yousef: Building and Ambition
Eman Al Yousuf, Emirati writer and cultural diplomacy specialist, says: “From Amna Belhoul, executive creative director of Expo 2020 Dubai ’ s entertainment and creative activities, to Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi, Commissioner-General of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai and above all, Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimi, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Director General of the Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau. It proves its worth and its ability to give dazzling.
“The UAE is the man ’ s partner in building through all the details of Expo 2020 Dubai even before the moment of its announcement, the UAE is an ambitious country that will be turning 50 very soon.
She is young in her age, strong and strong in her positions and uniqueness and wise in her vision beyond the number of years.
Emirati women have been partners of construction, success and ambition and still hold the most difficult and highest positions alongside men hand in hand as well. Women have participated and contributed since the inception of the country, and their presence was present even at the opening ceremony of the Expo in terms of the participation of women who sat to receive visitors skillfully making wicker baskets and tulle embroidery. She announced the end of the opening ceremony and the beginning of the Expo, symbolizing what the Emirati woman symbolizes with her patience and giving.
Speaking about Al Yousef ’ s participation in this historic event, she said: “I am delighted to participate in Expo 2020 Dubai by writing the American Pavilion mural in Arabic and English, which can be read from the right in one language and from the left in one language.
Her work was a collaboration between the U.S. Consulate and the American University of Sharjah, whose creators, designers and engineers designed and implemented the idea that encapsulates the U.S. vision in Expo 2020 Dubai ’ s sustainability and future-oriented files.
Azari Alserkal: Exchange of experiences
“There is no doubt that an event like Expo 2020 brings together all the countries of the world and thus benefits countries in sharing experiences and drawing inspiration from experiences, especially those related to clean energy, which aims to preserve the environment and use it to serve humanity.
Expo 2020 will also feature a women ’ s pavilion, which indicates the great attention that women receive from the wise leadership. The pavilion will also showcase women ’ s contributions to shaping society, as well as their global contributions and positive impact on the international community.
The presence of the Women ’ s Pavilion at Expo 2020 is very important to showcase the country ’ s efforts to the world and to showcase Emirati women ’ s efforts locally and internationally.
Nauf Omar: The dream we had
Nouf Omar, the first assistant pilot on the Boeing 777, did not hesitate to participate in this historic event, as she joined her Emirati brothers in volunteering as a kind of return to this generous country, saying: “Expo is the dream we have all had since the city won the hosting of the exhibition in November 2013, the third largest global event after the Olympics and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Expo ’ s dream began for Nouf when she was in high school, where she set her mind to be a part of the event in any way.
After eight years of waiting, she is living the dream moment by moment after joining the Expo 2020 Volunteer Programme, but how can this pilot balance volunteering with flying between cities around the world?
“The Expo 2020 Dubai Volunteer Programme is a very flexible programme that allows you to choose a period of time that suits everyone ’ s circumstances, and the Volunteer Centre team is very understanding of my work as a pilot, ” says Nouf.
For me, the days of volunteering will be based on my presence in the country, which is usually two to three days a week. ”

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What positive experiences are highlighted in the personal stories of successful women in construction and maritime industries, especially of female crane operators?

valuable contributions to the community
inspiring other young women

Their stories demonstrate how passion, proficiency, and perseverance, combined with institutional support, can lead to fulfilling and well-remunerated careers.

What positive experiences are highlighted in the personal stories of successful women in construction and maritime industries, especially of female crane operators?

Farkhana Safargaleeva in Russia became a crane operator directly after high school.

Title:

Content: Women in Male Occupations
8 March
23: 08 4 March 2022
Farkhana Safargaleeva immediately after school, together with her friend, decided to enter the crane operator.
Romance or inner call - what pulled the fragile girl to manage the crane, build houses and make panels, she does not know.
She said she liked the job from the start.
Farkhana Safargaleeva, crane operator of “Unity ” LLP:
— We graduated from the GPTU, in the direction of us were sent here to the precast.
She worked here for 15 years, decree, perestroika, then went to other construction works.
I already as 5 years returned to this concrete concrete, my heart was sick for my crane, I love, I love this crane very much, I love working on the crane.
But, I did not even expect that I was before retirement, I am already 59 years old, I will return here.
How many houses were erected in the region with the help of skillful actions and many years of experience of crane operator Farkhana Safargaleeva, it is simply impossible to count.
Such qualities as calmness and attentiveness help in the work.
Her burning eyes are seen not only in the profession, but also at home.
A husband, a daughter and a small grandson will all gather at the festive table on March 8.
Farkhana Safargaleyeva ’ s relatives support her interest and success.
Anastasia Kuznetsova, correspondent:
— A woman is calm and brisk, vulnerable and warlike, tender and strong.
Modern women break stereotypes, showing the world how they can create and create.
In the “male ” professions, among other things.
"Unity" LLP produces reinforced concrete products.
The company employs 152 people, including 25 women.
Chief engineer Andrei Nekrasov says that they skillfully show their skills.
Andrey Nekrasov, Chief Engineer of Unity LLP:
— Our company employs a large number of women who are excellent professionals and faithfully perform their work.
It passed, one might say, Crimea and Rome here.
She is an excellent professional, she transfers her skills to young professionals.
Another representative of the fair sex in LLP "Unity" - Natalia Danilova.
She's a compressor operator.
Working in the construction industry is her dream.
And it came true.
All my life I have dreamed of working in the construction industry.
16 she devoted to ensuring the continuous operation of the enterprise.
Natalia Danilova, operator of the compressor unit of “Unity ” LLP:
I have been working here since 2006 for 16 years.
I like my job here.
We supply cement so that our production does not stand, pour slabs, pour panels.
The most important thing is health, so that the world will be around 03.54 and to finish until my retirement – that ’ s my wish.
On the eve of the holiday on March 8, according to tradition, all the men of the enterprise will set a table and give gifts to women who give their strength to such a difficult, but so beloved for them work.
Anastasia Kuznetsova
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Women of different professions were congratulated on March 8

Over her career, spanning into her near-retirement years, she contributed to the construction of numerous buildings and now mentors younger workers.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

What positive experiences are highlighted in the personal stories of successful women in construction and maritime industries, especially of female crane operators?

valuable contributions to the community
inspiring other young women

Her company, with 25 women among a staff of 152, values female professionals as skilled and essential contributors.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What positive experiences are highlighted in the personal stories of successful women in construction and maritime industries, especially of female crane operators?

Safargaleeva’s story exemplifies that with determination and a supportive workplace, women can have long, successful careers in heavy machinery .

Title:

Content: A former Miss England finalist, an England rugby star and ex-finance worker: Meet the women who ditched their careers to drive 44-tonne lorries across Great Britain

A former Miss England finalist, current England rugby star and an ex-finance worker have shattered traditional gender stereotypes by pursuing their dream jobs of driving 44-tonne lorries across Great Britain.

Farmer's daughter and model Milly Everatt, rugby player Chantelle Crowl and Domino Homer, who worked a traditional office job since passing her GCSEs, are among the less than one per cent of women lorry drivers in the UK.

The trio have each earned their HGV licences and excelled in their dream career after having previously found success in other industries.

The drivers are now hoping that they can inspire other women to join their ranks and pursue careers on the road.

Milly Everatt, 23, (pictured) from Eastoft, Lincolnshire, swapped her high-heels for high-vis after having been the first runner-up for Miss England 2022

Domino Homer (pictured) began pursuing her Class 1 certification after seeing an advertisement on Facebook promoting a company that was offering to take on a driver and put them through the first exam

Milly Everatt

Milly Everatt, 23, from Eastoft, Lincolnshire, swapped her high-heels for high-vis after having been the first runner-up for Miss England 2022.

Miss Everatt had been competing in professional beauty pageants since 2017 and was titled Miss Lincolnshire in 2018. That same year she was crowned Miss Charity after raising the most money for good causes.

But last year, the beauty queen and former model ditched the catwalk and trained for both her Class 1 and Class 2 HGV licence so she could fulfil her dream of becoming a lorry driver.

Now, after having undertook a series of in-depth tests, she is living her live on the open road and driving 44-tonne high tech vehicles across the UK.

'It's been so much fun getting behind the wheel of a big truck as part of my new day job!' Miss Everatt has said. 'I love having the freedom that comes with driving, as it takes me all around the country, and the wages are great too.'

The former pageant competitor was inspired to pursue her dream of becoming a trucker after the Covid pandemic, Brexit and other factors led to a shortage of lorry drivers across the country.

Miss Everatt grew up on a farm and around heavy machinery. She would drive tractor's around the property and believed the step up to driving a large truck was the next logical progression in her career.

Miss Everatt (pictured) had been competing in professional beauty pageants since 2017 and was titled Miss Lincolnshire in 2018. That same year she was crowned Miss Charity after raising the most money for good causes

But last year, beauty queen and former model Miss Everatt (pictured) ditched the catwalk and trained for both her Class 1 and Class 2 HGV licence so she could fulfil her dream of becoming a lorry driver

Miss Everatt (pictured in a truck) was inspired by the fact that less than one per cent of British HGV drivers are female. She says the evolving industry is 'really exciting' and is encouraging other women to join their ranks.

She was also inspired by the fact that less than one per cent of British HGV drivers are female. She says the evolving industry is 'really exciting' and is encouraging other women to join their ranks.

'For any women who are thinking of getting into logistics, my best advice is just to do it,' she said. 'With so many roles and training opportunities available, it's a really exciting industry to get involved with.'

Last year, while she was training for her licence, Miss Everatt advocated for normalising the path for women in the heavy machinery industry.

'I think we're in modern times and there's nothing to stop girls getting involved in that kind of thing,' she said at the time. 'It's not the norm but it should be. It's also something people don't think about often, it's not thought about enough in feminism.

'I know some farmers daughters who don't do anything to help their parents farm. Agriculture has been forgotten about by feminism.

'Anything that breaks the stereotype has to be a good thing. I want to prove its not just 40-year-old men that do this job and if it inspires other women to do the same, that would be amazing.'

She also previously revealed that obtaining an HGV licence had been a longtime dream of hers and would aid her work on the farm.

She said: 'It was always on my list of things to do. I should've done it at 18. But I was doing my A-Levels and then the pandemic happened so I put it off.

'It's something that I want to have under my belt. I have horses so it could help for that and I can use it to take grain in - it's something I'll use everyday while I'm on the farm.'

Miss Everatt (pictured with a horse) grew up on a farm and around heavy machinery. She would drive tractor's around the property and believed the step up to driving a large truck was the next logical progression in her career

Last year, while she was training for her licence , Miss Everatt (pictured in her crown and Miss Lincoln sash) advocated for normalising the path for women in the heavy machinery industry

Chantelle Crowl

Chantelle Crowl, 30, is known for her successes as an England and Super League rugby star - but when she's away from the pitch, she travels the country in a HGV.

Ms Crowl, born in Toronto, Canada, and has been playing rugby since she was eight years old.

However, in her free time the St Helens and England forward delivers beer kegs and other vital items to pubs and clubs around Britain.

Due to the flexibility of lorry driving, she is able to work her trucking job around her training schedule. She loves the flexibility of the industry and how she significant control over how much and how long she works.

Commenting on the lack of women in the industry, she added: 'My advice would be to just go for it, if it’s what you want to do. This is a free world and an equal opportunity for anyone to be part of no matter what or where.'

Chantelle Crowl, 30, (pictured in her lorry) is known for her successes as an England and Super League rugby star - but when she's away from the pitch, she travels the country in a HGV. Due to the flexibility of lorry driving, she is able to work her trucking job around her training schedule

Ms Crowl said she also reaps the benefits of being a trucker when she's on the pitch.

She claims her lorry job keeps her 'fit and strong for rugby', because she chooses to take on some of the heavier lifting tasks that might otherwise be carried out by two or three people, or even a machine.

The athlete added that she often feels 'extra fit if I've had a hard day at work'.

Domino Homer

A former finance worker walked away from her career to pursue her dream of living life on the road and now works for a family-run trucking firm, Buffaload Logistics.

Domino Homer, XX, worked in a traditional office environment ever since finishing her GCSEs, including working for a mortgage broker and as an office assistant.

Mrs Homer had moved out of her family home at a young age and 'didn't really have a lot of funds', she told MailOnline, which made it hard for her to determine which career path to take.

But in 2021 - after working for years in roles she was not passionate about - she funded her own Class 2 licence after leaving the financial industry. She secured her Class 1 licence the following year to become a fully qualified HGV driver.

'I didn't really even at school really know what I wanted to do. I thought maybe hairdressing,' she recalled.

'Then I thought, you know, I've always seen big trucks on the road - and even driving in general, I've always enjoyed being on the road, whether it'd be a passenger or driving.'

She began pursuing her Class 1 certification after seeing an advertisement on Facebook promoting a company that was offering to take on a driver and put them through the first exam.

'I contacted them and they were really interested in me,' she said, adding that the 'lovely' family-run company had 'accepted me'.

However, it wasn't necessarily an easy road for Mrs Homer. She actually failed her Class 1 test the first time she took it.

'I was I think it was a stress of the day. It was really windy and there was a storm,' she told MailOnline, also citing the pressures of the pandemic as possible contributing factors.

'It's Covid of course, everyone's wearing masks, we don't have the windows open. And they weren't sure if they were going to let anyone actually go out because we were driving a wag and drag which was loaded with water and curtainside. We were quite blown around a bit.'

She did pass the second time she took the test and passed her Class 2 on the first try. Mrs Homer also has her full motorbike licence and car licence.

Former finance worker Domino Homer (pictured) walked away from her career to pursue her dream of living life on the road and now works for a family-run trucking firm, Buffaload Logistics

Mrs Homer, in 2021, funded her own Class 2 licence after leaving the financial industry. She secured her Class 1 licence the following year to become a fully qualified HGV driver. She is pictured outside her lorry

She now works night shifts, drives set deliveries and collections throughout her shift, and loves 'watching the world go by through a big widescreen and listening to my favourite podcasts'.

Mrs Homer loves driving, which was a longtime dream come true, but admits that it does have its challenges.

Besides the physical challenges she faces, she revealed that sometimes 'it can feel like you don't have much of a life'.

'The hours can be extremely long, sometimes you don't come home, you know you're, you're stuck out. It can be quite lonely,' she said.

But one of the benefits of driving a truck is meeting new people and the sense of freedom and independence, she explained.

'I like to have my own space. When I worked in an office, if they had a radio, it used to really wind me up. They'd always have the same radio station on every day. And you hear the same songs every day, more than once that day,' said Mrs Homer.

'Whereas you're doing you're in your truck, you know, you can listen to your music that you like or, or a podcast, for example. You know, it's your little space, like your office on wheels. You're surrounded by big windows and sometimes it's just a good peace and quiet.'

Mrs Homer is now encouraging other women to pursue careers in logistics and is advocating for a shift in perception about what working in the industry actually looks like.

'Follow your heart; the only way you'll know if your dream job is right for you is to give it a go,' she said. 'Life is too short to have regrets so go for it and don't let anything stop you.

'If it turns out that you were wrong, you can always change your career in the future and that's exactly what I did.'

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How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

Similarly, in China, Li Rui began working as a tower crane operator in her twenties, attracted by the job’s stability and respectable compensation—she saved over 70,000 yuan in less than a year.

Why are construction and maritime industries more popular with women nowadays?

Li’s workplace has improved facilities, such as air-conditioned dorms, and offers regular pay.

She invests in obtaining new certifications to expand her skills, displaying the ambition and continuous learning that characterize many of today’s female operators.

Her experience showcases the practicality, stability, and growing acceptance women can find in crane operation roles .

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

In the maritime and port sectors of the United Arab Emirates, Emirati women now routinely operate giant pier cranes and gantry cranes—once perhaps the most visible symbols of male-dominated industry—while overseeing the docking of large vessels.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

Their presence in these critical, high-profile jobs is supported by national government strategies, training initiatives, and international events like Expo 2020 Dubai, which contributed to the normalization and celebration of women’s professional achievements in maritime construction .

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?

Additional stories from other regions further illustrate the diverse backgrounds of women entering heavy machinery roles.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

Why are construction and maritime industries more popular with women nowadays?

For example, in Taiwan, a 29-year-old woman switched from business management to wind power technology—another field often dominated by men.

Title:

Content: Helping young people achieve their dreams across the world! The Penghu Branch of the Ministry of Labor Gets a Competitive Advantage for Youth
Reporter Huang Shou-shuang / reporting from Kaohsiung
The Department of Labor Development of the Ministry of Labor has actively promoted investment in youth employment programs, breaking through the gender framework for young people to achieve a competitive advantage, showing that they do not let their eyebrows go, and bravely breaking into the offshore wind power work field, because they keep improving, so that their lives can be turned around, and they can increase their value and pay.
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The second phase of the Youth Employment Program is to help unemployed or jobless youth aged 15 to 29 with professional skills and employability in key industries. The training fee for participating in the New Pioneer Program is up to 100,000 yuan per person. At the same time, in order to relieve the financial pressure of trainees during training, there is a monthly learning incentive subsidy of 8,000 yuan during training, which can be subsidized for up to 12 months.
Guo Genghua said that a 29-year-old female student who participated in the industry's new frontier plan has broken through the gender framework, showing that she does not let the eyebrows go, bravely breaking into the offshore wind power work field, because she keeps improving, let her life turn over, and give herself a raise.
Guo Genghua also said that the female student university major in business management, because of the personality of extrovert and like sports, after graduation, had done sports powder editor, sports substitute teacher, construction supervision and other work, but long-term, life and income instability, let her feel at a loss for the future, about to enter the age of 30, she hopes to find a skilled job and stable employment. With the encouragement and introduction of his family, he enrolled in the Offshore Wind and Marine Engineering Career Counseling Program of the Penghu Branch of the Penghu District of Kaohsiung City, and decided to give himself an opportunity to study in a cross-disciplinary field.
The female trainee pointed out that because she graduated from a non-related department and never touched the field of electromechanical or marine engineering, and in the training process, she often has to carry more than 10 kilograms of equipment, simulating land and sea hanging operations or first aid subjects, which is a challenge in terms of physical strength and endurance, so relatively few women are involved in related work.
At the beginning of the training, she was full of anxiety and fear, but the equipment of the training unit not only passed the international safety standards, but also every instructor and teaching assistant has a professional license. During the training period, she successfully obtained five basic safety training certificates from the Global Wind Organisation. Before the training, she attracted the favor of manufacturers through job matching, and successfully entered the Danish company Global Wind Service Taiwan Branch to become a wind technician.
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Through a government-supported program, she acquired safety certifications, secured employment with an international company, and achieved new levels of professional stability and compensation, demonstrating the value of targeted training and persistence .

What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?

vocational training
educational programs

In the United Kingdom, high-profile women like Milly Everatt, who shifted from modeling to driving heavy goods vehicles, have brought further public attention to the possibilities for women in the wider field of heavy equipment and logistics.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

Such visibility serves to inspire and normalize women’s presence in all aspects of logistics and construction .

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

What positive experiences are highlighted in the personal stories of successful women in construction and maritime industries, especially of female crane operators?

Advice and Practical Resources for Aspiring Women

For women interested in crane operation or related construction careers, the landscape is more favorable than ever, though challenges remain.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What challenges do women in the construction and maritime  industries face?

attitudinal biases at work
having to work harder to prove oneself

Why are construction and maritime industries more popular with women nowadays?

There are several avenues and resources that can support your entry and advancement in the field.

What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?

mentorship opportunities
vocational training
educational programs

Why are construction and maritime industries more popular with women nowadays?

First, investigate apprenticeship programs and vocational training opportunities: Many technical colleges, unions, and industry associations offer crane operator certifications.

What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?

Inquire about support systems for women, such as mentorship networks or women-in-trades scholarships.

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?

Second, seek out employers and regions with strong diversity and inclusion standards.

Many firms and jurisdictions now express explicit goals to recruit and retain women in skilled operator roles.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

active recruitment of women
promote women to higher roles

What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?

Profiles of successful firms show that those valuing gender diversity provide formal mentoring, peer support, and clear paths to career advancement .

Third, connect with professional associations dedicated to women in trades, such as Women in Construction groups or industry-specific bodies.

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

Many of these organizations offer networking, events, and advocacy to advance your career.

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

Why are construction and maritime industries more popular with women nowadays?

Participating in such groups can provide community, advice, and access to further training and job opportunities.

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?

Why are construction and maritime industries more popular with women nowadays?

Fourth, take advantage of government-sponsored programs, especially those designed to address labor shortages or upskill underrepresented groups, like the initiative that helped the Taiwanese wind technician enter and succeed in the field .

What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?

inclusive policies
vocational training
educational programs

Finally, remain proactive in pursuing technical certifications, as crane operation typically requires formal qualification and sometimes licensing.

Continuous learning and willingness to expand your skill set—demonstrated by women like Li Rui—can make you more competitive in the job market and open further advancement .

Conclusion

The field of crane operation and heavy machinery in construction is experiencing a gradual yet unmistakable increase in gender diversity.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

Women are not only entering but excelling in roles once considered inaccessible.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

Changes in legislation, the evolution of company policies, adaptation of technology, and rising demand for skilled labor are dismantling historical barriers.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

Success stories from countries including Russia, China, the UAE, Taiwan, and the UK highlight women’s abilities to thrive and lead in these environments.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

While challenges and stereotypes persist, the construction industry offers tangible and inspiring opportunities for women equipped with the right training, support, and determination.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What challenges do women in the construction and maritime  industries face?

attitudinal biases at work
having to work harder to prove oneself

What positive experiences are highlighted in the personal stories of successful women in construction and maritime industries, especially of female crane operators?

Why are construction and maritime industries more popular with women nowadays?

By leveraging available resources, supportive networks, and a commitment to skill development, women can build rewarding and well-paying careers as crane operators and contribute meaningfully to the industry's ongoing transformation .

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

What positive experiences are highlighted in the personal stories of successful women in construction and maritime industries, especially of female crane operators?

Why are construction and maritime industries more popular with women nowadays?