Women are increasingly entering the fields of construction and crane operation, challenging longstanding gender barriers and contributing to a significant shift toward greater equality and diversity in these industries.

During World War II, women like Kathleen Roberts operated cranes in heavy industries, but their contributions were largely unrecognized until recent campaigns, such as the 2016 unveiling of the Women of Steel statue in Sheffield, which acknowledged their vital roles .

Despite this history, women remain underrepresented; for example, in British Columbia, women comprised only 6% of the construction workforce in 2022, reflecting persistent challenges in achieving gender parity .

Societal norms, gender stereotypes, and limited access to STEM education have historically hindered women’s entry into technical roles, but targeted educational programs, vocational training, and mentorship initiatives are now actively addressing these barriers .

Technological advancements, such as remote-controlled cranes developed by Skyline Cranes and Technology in Israel, are making crane operation safer and more accessible, opening opportunities for a more diverse workforce, including women .

Educational programs like the Power Lineman program at South Louisiana Community College have prepared women such as Jewel Everett to succeed in heavy machinery roles, demonstrating that resilience and capability can overcome gender-based obstacles .

Case studies further illustrate this progress: Georgia Harper, a 22-year-old trainee site engineer, is breaking stereotypes and inspiring other women to pursue construction careers ; Loretta Barnett became one of the first female operators at the Savannah River Site, representing a new generation of women in operational roles ; and Megan Kreiger, a research mechanical engineer with the U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers, has worked on large-scale projects, often as the only woman present, and now mentors young girls in engineering .

Women are increasingly entering the fields of construction and crane operation, challenging longstanding gender barriers and contributing to a significant shift toward greater equality and diversity in these industries.

During World War II, women like Kathleen Roberts operated cranes in heavy industries, but their contributions were largely unrecognized until recent campaigns, such as the 2016 unveiling of the Women of Steel statue in Sheffield, which acknowledged their vital roles .

Title:

Content: InYourArea Community

South west business builds a more equal foundation ahead of International Women's Day

Vistry Western now has an equal ratio of male and female directors, with a newly appointed female managing director at the helm

By Danielle Hicks

EMBRACING EQUALITY: Female directors at Vistry Western

International Women’s Day on March 8, provides the perfect opportunity to highlight achievements and #EmbraceEquality - the theme for 2023 - and one business that’s celebrating change this year is Vistry Western.

In the last 12 months, the region - which builds Bovis and Linden properties in South Gloucestershire, Bristol, North Somerset, Somerset, Wiltshire, and Wales - now has an equal ratio of male and female directors, with a newly appointed female managing director at the helm. Emma Colin, 38, is responsible for 142 employees and is joined on the board by Rachael Humphreys, regional land director; Sarah Sperring, regional customer service director; and Sue Scholfield, regional sales and marketing director, who also won the national Housebuilder of the Year Star Award in 2021.

Emma said: “International Women’s Day is important as it enables us to take a step back to reflect on our successes and review how we can make improvements to ensure our place of work is inclusive and provides equal opportunities for all. I’m proud Vistry Western has an equal number of male and female directors.

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“Having a balanced board provides different perspectives; we’re constantly learning from each other and it’s wonderful to see these different approaches having a positive effect on the working environment. In this day and age, having a balanced workforce should be the norm but in construction that is not the case.

“34 per cent of all of our employees at Vistry are female, compared to the industry’s 15 per cent average, but there’s still a lot of work to do to ensure we attract and retain a more diverse workforce. I feel the responsibility to call out behaviour, showcase best practise and be open about any struggles, so we can help spread change.”

Vistry places a strong emphasis on addressing imbalance and has an active Diversity and Inclusion working group and committee, which promotes equality and represents minority groups throughout the business.

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Emma added: “It’s great to see change happening. On the last site visit we held for UWE Bristol, we were really encouraged to see two thirds of the building surveying students were female.

“I’m really excited about the future at Vistry and will continue to champion change by encouraging more women into the industry - it’s a brilliant, dynamic place to work. This year, the western region will deliver over 500 properties across a range of developments, including large dual-branded consortium sites, joint venture schemes, and our first development in Wales.”

Ways Vistry Group has implemented change:

  • Between 2021-2022, Vistry promoted 11 females into director posts across the business.
  • Supported the use of the agile working policy to enable hybrid working.
  • Joined the ‘Women into Construction’ organisation, which has helped recruit women into all roles in the business.
  • Run events hosted by the ‘Women’s Network’ to promote the profile of women in construction.
  • Delivered recruitment training, which included the topic of ‘unconscious bias’ to support fair and consistent recruitment practice.
  • Analysed data on progression and pay gaps, particularly in light of the impact of covid, and produced action plans.
  • The company’s maternity leave policy has been reviewed and improved and the menopause guide sets out the support available to employees.

Get all the latest news, updates, things to do and more from your local InYourArea feed.

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?

Despite this history, women remain underrepresented; for example, in British Columbia, women comprised only 6% of the construction workforce in 2022, reflecting persistent challenges in achieving gender parity .

Title:

Content: OPINION

South Florida's builders want you

Stephen Chang
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Fact: More than 30 million Americans quit their jobs this year and a record high of 4.4 million people left their employer in September, according to the latest jobs report. The ‘Great Resignation’ is showing no signs of slowing.

Fact: Florida will receive approximately $19 billion from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, according to the White House.

As South Florida's economy steadily recovers from the pandemic, federal funding for new local projects can provide a much-needed boost to the construction industry, drive growth for the region and create lasting job opportunities for millions of middle- and working-class Floridians.

However, with growing demand for new development outpacing the number of professionals joining the workforce, our region must increase the construction labor pool to reap these benefits and provide the necessary housing and social infrastructure for the growing population.

Yet, convincing a new generation of workers to pursue a career in construction has not been easy. Construction is often overlooked as an option for individuals who earned degrees in business management, liberal arts and organizational behavior, and even in many cases degrees in construction management and engineering. But the reality is more college graduates should give a second look to careers in construction because of the potential for growth and exposure to different skill sets. No longer an industry of just hard hats and cranes, construction has transformed from blue collar to white collar. Construction today is an industry of innovation and technology.

Pixels, virtual models, AI and data are as critical cement, steel and bricks. The construction industry of today presents many career options for tech-savvy individuals who enjoy working on teams, solving sophisticated challenges, and creating something tangible that can literally transform a city skyline.

While still considered by many to be male-dominated, the construction industry is also more attractive to women than ever before. There are opportunities for women who enjoy managing people, serving clients or building things. For example, at Suffolk Construction, more than 30% of our South Florida team is female, and the project team that managed construction of the iconic guitar-shaped Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood Hotel was a women-led team and the trade partners hired for the project represented more than 23 nations.

The pandemic inspired many professionals to leave their jobs in search of more meaningful careers where they can make an impact and feel valued. Careers in construction can provide these professionals a sense of purpose and an opportunity to be a part of something greater than themselves. To be a part of a team that builds something tangible that will last for generations.

The year 2022 is expected to be an historic year of growth for South Florida. The migration of people to Florida from cities throughout the United States will greatly increase the demand for housing, which will also increases the demand for schools, hospitals, municipal buildings, retail, offices and entertainment centers. The future has never been brighter for the construction industry.Individuals interested in building an exciting and sustainable career should give building construction a closer look.

Stephen Chang is chief operating officer in West Palm Beach for Suffolk Construction Co.

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Societal norms, gender stereotypes, and limited access to STEM education have historically hindered women’s entry into technical roles, but targeted educational programs, vocational training, and mentorship initiatives are now actively addressing these barriers .

Title:

Content: CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - Making waves in a male-dominated field.

March is Women's History Month. To celebrate, WAND News recognized women in central Illinois who are breaking glass ceilings. Megan Kreiger, is a research mechanical engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Construction Engineering Research Laboratory in Champaign. She works in 3-D Printing for construction projects.

Kreiger has worked on large scale projects like bridge making and building construction.

She works in a mainly male-dominated field with the military, construction and engineering. She explained there are often times when she is the only female in a room of 100 men.

"Any young girls that want to get in engineer, science and printing I would say pursue your interest as much as possible," she said. "I want to inspire people to follow their motivations, passions and ambitions."

Working along side Kreiger is Michelle Hanson, deputy director of the lab with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. She operates like the chief deputy officer. Hanson oversees the execution and operation of the facilities and the research program.

She worked for 31 years with the department. Hanson reflected on what her career was like 30 years ago and how much it's changed over the years. She recalled being the only woman on the team and the only woman in the meetings.

"As I look back over the time, during the period not only were our research teams male-dominated, but our leadership team and our management structure was male," she said.

Hanson said the teams, researchers and managers are move diverse now compared to 30 years ago. She said it's encouraging to see more women join the team and enter the workforce.

"They (women) are doing exceptional, innovative and exciting research that is making a difference and having an impact on our war fighters, our military installations and the department of defense."

Copyright 2022 WAND TV. All rights reserved.

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?

educational programs
mentorship opportunities
vocational training

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?

educational programs
mentorship opportunities
vocational training

Technological advancements, such as remote-controlled cranes developed by Skyline Cranes and Technology in Israel, are making crane operation safer and more accessible, opening opportunities for a more diverse workforce, including women .

Title:

Content: ContributorsPublishersAdvertisers

‘The possibilities are endless’: SRS highlights first female operators

WRDW-TV
 2 days ago

AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - It’s Women’s History Month, and in once male-dominated fields, women are taking over. The Savannah River Site put the spotlight on some of their first female operators. We caught up with one woman who is a second-generation employee. Loretta Barnett began her job...

www.wrdw.com

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?

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

Educational programs like the Power Lineman program at South Louisiana Community College have prepared women such as Jewel Everett to succeed in heavy machinery roles, demonstrating that resilience and capability can overcome gender-based obstacles .

Title:

Content: Robot machinery the next generation of construction

i24NEWS

2 min read

'We are cutting production times and shortening projects. These are the main issues for contractors'

Robotic construction sites - an Israeli company is looking to fuse robotics software with the heavy industry and construction markets to combat a declining construction workforce.

Construction company Skyline Cranes and Technology, based in Herzilya of central Israel, is developing a remote-controlled crane that allows one to operate from the comfort of an office.

“You can see the wind speed, and with that, I know where the crane arm is and will be,” crane operator Omer told i24NEWS.

Co-founder and CEO of Skyline Cranes, Aviv Carmel, said the new crane can be operated offsite, from another city or even country.

“We are cutting production times and shortening projects. These are the main issues for contractors and developers, and even the end-user,” Carmel said.

Construction is a dangerous job with inevitable accidents, partly due to the limits of human ability.

“If I am 200 feet up, my eyes can’t zoom in and see who is working below. I need to rely on my radio,” Omer explained.

In Israel, roughly 40 people die each year at construction sites, while 5,300 die in the United States.

The new machinery not only addresses the dangers of the industry, but also the problem of a decline in high-scale construction workers in developed nations.

According to the Associated General Contractors of America, the construction labor force in the US is decreasing at seven percent each year.

“We are combining the high-tech solution with crane machinery, and we are bringing a new generation of operators,” Carmel told i24NEWS.

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?

educational programs
vocational training

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

Case studies further illustrate this progress: Georgia Harper, a 22-year-old trainee site engineer, is breaking stereotypes and inspiring other women to pursue construction careers ; Loretta Barnett became one of the first female operators at the Savannah River Site, representing a new generation of women in operational roles ; and Megan Kreiger, a research mechanical engineer with the U.S.

Title:

Content: Woman of Steel Kathleen Roberts, 100, reflects on how many of Sheffield's female workers of WWII are left

Kathleen Roberts, who sparked The Star’s Women of Steel campaign which led to official government recognition and the Barkers Pool statue, turns 100 years old today.

Tuesday, 4th January 2022, 5:03 pm

It has been 82 years since Kathleen and the women of her city were called up to take Sheffield’s steelworks industry by the horns while the men in their lives fought overseas in World War Two. She was 18 at the time.

But when the soldiers came home, the women were thanklessly given their notice and encouraged not to speak of it again.

It was only in 2016 when they were given their due credit, after Kathleen and her friends Kit, Ruby and Dorothy spearheaded a campaign to unveil the Women of Steel statue outside City Hall in Barker’s Pool that stands today.

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'Our story's in good hands now,' says 'Woman of Steel' - ten years on

Now, on her 100th birthday, Kathleen wonders how many of the women who worked the presses with her 80 years ago are still around.

“They would have to be around my age, and I’m turning 100,” Kathleen said.

"What’s funny to me is, when I left when the war finished I never ever met a single soul who had worked there all through the war – I never saw anyone ever again.

“We had been working there together for four years and some of us became quite good friends. I remember I was good friends with a woman named Ruth Williams, the crane driver, who lived in Darnell –and we never saw each other ever again.”

They worked in conditions unheard of today. Past the bluster of ‘doing your part’ and getting stuck in, the Women of Steel simply faced 72 hours a week of work in deafeningly loud factories, exposed to the elements and paid less than the men doing the same jobs, all whilst raising their children during the Sheffield Blitz.

As one stand out detail, the air raid shelters were full over frighteningly huge rats, so if a raid began, the women put on “useless” tin helmets and kept working.

With something of a shrug, Kathleen – who herself worked at Brown Baileys Steel cutlery factory – honestly compared the conditions to slave labour. But she insists the women all had each other. They had a laugh on shift all the same, and they did what needed to be done.

"If I had my time over again I would go into engineering,” Kathleen said. “I got a taste for taking machines to pieces and finding what was wrong and putting them back together.

“But it didn’t come up because the men who survived the war wanted their jobs back.”

Instead, Kathleen went on to take a job at Pauldens department store, where Debenhams now stands on the Moor. Her and her husband Joe – a D-Day veteran, who incidentally married Kathleen during his 48 hours of leave before he was sent back to fight in the Middle East in 1941 – had two daughters together, and today she has three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Joe sadly died in 2008. A year later, Kathleen and her journey with the other Women of Steel would touch the hearts of countless people.

It began with a call to The Star’s now-editor Nancy Fielder after Kathleen saw a television programme about the Women’s Land Army being invited to Buckingham Palace by the Queen.

"I started to feel frustrated that everybody else had been recognised for their contribution during the war, but nobody had ever mentioned the women of this city, who'd left their families at home to take over jobs in steelworks across the city when war broke out,” Kathleen said.

“A few days later, Nancy called me back to tell me the story had brought in calls and letters from all over the world, and that so many people felt the way I did; I couldn't believe it."

It led to Kathleen meeting her three new partners in crime – Kitty Sollitt, Ruby Gascoigne, and Dorothy Slingsby – who together would fight to see the Women of Steel recognised at last.

It culminated with the unveiling of the iconic statue in Barker’s Pool in 2016 after a £160,000 fundraising effort by the four ladies.

"We went on rather a long journey to get the money to pay for it,” said Kathleen. “It took us quite a few years. I remember them very well – they were good years.”

It was an effort that will immortalise the four friends, and is marked by The Star’s own Women of Steel awards each year.

But in the years since, Kathleen has had to say goodbye to Kit, Ruby and Dot each in turn. She now reflects on being 100 years old – grateful, but unsure how it worked out this way.

"It’s an honour to get to 100 but it’s also a bit of a struggle,” Kathleen said. “I’m quite surprised to have got to this age.

"I’ve just lived a normal life. I’ve done a lot with the Women of Steel and I do miss the other three ladies. But life just goes on.”

Kathleen hasn’t displayed her card from the Queen at her home in White Willows assisted living in Jordanthorpe. What is up, though, is a charming greeting card featuring the Women of Steel statue, a photo of her and the other three ladies, and dozens of pictures of her family.

But Kathleen says: “I would say I’m more lonely now that I’ve ever been.

"Covid has led to people themselves keeping to themselves. I’ve not seen my grandchildren over the holidays – and you know, I’ve decided to tell everybody not to come for my birthday. If I’m still here when Covid-19 is gone we’ll meet then. I don’t want them to get together now and catch something.

"Life goes on I suppose.”

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?

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

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?

Army Corps of Engineers, has worked on large-scale projects, often as the only woman present, and now mentors young girls in engineering .

Title:

Content: LUS Fiber hires first woman lineworker, a graduate of the SLCC Power Lineman program

Ashley White
Lafayette Daily Advertiser
View Comments

When Lafayette residents look up at the bucket of an LUS Fiber truck they could see Jewel Everett — the company's first woman lineworker.

Everett has been shadowing other workers, learning everything to do with the fiber optic business.

She enrolled in South Louisiana Community College's Power Lineman program and, after getting outfitted with clothing and equipment small enough to fit her, jumped right into working at LUS Fiber.

"I really wanted to go to school for that specific program because it gave me opportunities to either go for electric (line work) or anything that requires bucket trucks or climbing poles," Everett said.

Everett, who enjoys being in the bucket making repairs, said the most challenging part has been lifting and balancing the larger equipment, like the ladders that are more than 20 feet long. But when she conquers those challenges - like the time she had to hang a cross tie during school - it makes the job worth it.

"I’ve always liked doing hard work, and doing hard work comes with making good money and also helping people in a big way," Everett said.

At LUS Fiber, she'll install fiber lines on overhead poles, splice fiber cable, climb poles or use ladders to access fiber infrastructure, and install advanced network gear at locations across Lafayette and Acadiana.

The 25-week program at SLCC includes training students to receive their CDL license, learning first aid, receiving training specific to being a lineworker, learning to work buckets and how to climb utility poles.

"That was one of the good things about having her go to the SLCC program. It’s allowing them to learn the basics and then quickly jump to their next role," said Ryan Meche, director of LUS Fiber. "Once we found clothes that fit her and got her rigged out, she was literally the next day climbing the poles getting work done."

The program was created after Charlotte LeLeux, director of transportation, distribution, and logistics, was approached by utility companies about the dwindling workforce and a need for lineworkers.

The program's first cohort graduated in January 2020. All 16 people had jobs lined up before their graduation day.

Everett was the program's first woman graduate, an honor for SLCC, LeLeux said. LeLeux, who received her CDL license more than 20 years ago, knew some of the obstacles women can face in fields of work traditionally dominated by men.

"When Jewel came in, we had that conversation. I said, 'When you face obstacles and somebody’s pushing back, you don’t think twice. You push back because you’re just as capable,' LeLeux said. "She’s definitely been a pioneer and paving the way for the young ladies that come behind her."

But Everett didn't look at it as a trailblazing opportunity but a way to do something she's interested in.

“You just have to do it, honestly," she said. "And you can’t be scared to do it."

Meche said he's glad Everett chose to work at LUS Fiber after graduation."We're really excited to have someone like Jewel join the workforce with a fresh perspective and highly motivated," Meche said. "We think this is going to be a huge asset and be pivotal to our success and some of these expansion efforts that we're going through."

Contact Ashley White at adwhite@theadvertiser.com or on Twitter at @AshleyyDi.

View Comments

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?

educational programs
mentorship opportunities

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