Acta Scientiarum Polonorum

The paper presents research on gender aspects in construction, related to the wide area of diversity management.
The predominant image of construction is that of a male-dominated industry requiring brute strength
and a good tolerance for outdoor conditions, inclement weather and bad language and it has been acknowledged
worldwide that women in the construction industry are underrepresented. Women represent low
percentage (usually no more than 20%) of the workforce in the construction and numbers of women who
represent manual trades i.e. roofers, bricklayers and glaziers were as low as to be immeasurable in national
surveys. It is very important to attract more women to construction industry in order to fill the skills gaps
and to make changes within the industry in terms of gender segregation and enhanced productivity. The poor
image of construction, a lack of role models and knowledge, poor careers advice, gender-biased recruitment
literature, practices, peer pressure, and poor educational experiences are cited as having a negative impact
to women entering the industry. Paper shows structural and image related barriers militating against the entrance
of women into this industry include, i.e.: the dominant male workforce, exclusive networks, informal
recruitment, discriminatory sexist behavior, long hours culture, conflict and crisis – reasons why women tend
to choose not to enter this industry.