Introduction

Women constitute an important work force in all human activities and construction is no exception. Job opportunities in this field vary from administrative, field, accounting, legal, technical, and financial roles, at different levels in both private and public organizations. Although the number of women joining the sector is increasing, very few occupy the highest decision-making positions. This article aims to provide knowledge on gender equity in the construction industry and the legal framework that applies to companies operating in Mexico.

Difference between perspective, equity and gender equality

According to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) document “How to integrate the gender approach in the infrastructure sector?”, gender refers to the roles, characteristics and opportunities defined by society that are considered appropriate for men, women, boys, girls and people with non-binary identities. Gender equality implies equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities among people, regardless of the gender with which they identify. Gender equity refers to giving the same conditions, treatment and opportunities to women and men, in such a way that access to them can be guaranteed. Gender perspective is a way of analyzing that consists of observing the impact of gender on people’s opportunities, roles and social interactions.

Women in the construction industry

The construction sector is made up of two major players: private construction companies and contracting public entities. In recent years more women have been incorporated into the private construction industry, mainly in office and field areas. However, very few women are incorporated into the leadership of companies as owners, founders, shareholders or entrepreneurs who play a decisive role in decision making.

In the public sector, women have had slightly greater access to higher levels and decision-making areas. To address the gender gap, the Mexican government launched a program called PROIGUALDAD that aims to close historical gaps of inequality according to national and international standards of women’s human rights. This program has been applied to government areas where infrastructure works are contracted, including within the Ministry of Energy.

How to contribute to gender equity in the construction industry

In the private sector, entrepreneurship in construction should be promoted and encouraged for women of all ages and conditions. The transmission of knowledge, experience and know-how is fundamental. Universities and private organizations that bring together construction companies have an obligation to create or grow working groups focused on directing concrete actions to achieve this goal.

In the public sector, it is necessary not only to create six-year programs, but also public policies designed in a particular way for each country, considering specific circumstances. Existing international guides such as the IDB’s Gender in Infrastructure can be used as reference to design public policies for other regions, considering the specific aspects of each country.

Conclusions

  1. Women have the same right as men to be in decision-making positions in both the private construction industry and public infrastructure contracting entities.
  2. There are tools and reference materials that allow a better understanding of gender equity in the construction sector.
  3. Women are already leading and making decisions directly and indirectly related to construction within large private construction companies and important government ministries in Mexico.
  4. Companies that apply gender equity policies are better positioned for public works contracts, where gender equity compliance is increasingly a scoring factor in federal bids.