The U.K. construction industry has historically been male-dominated, but that’s starting to change. Women now comprise a significant percentage of the workforce, yet men still hold most of the leadership roles due to deep-rooted industry norms and limited opportunities.

The good news is that more women are stepping into leadership roles, proving their project management and site operations skills. Thanks to industry-wide diversity initiatives and evolving mindsets, female leaders show that success in construction is beyond gender. While the gap still exists, the momentum is shifting, and you’re witnessing the start of a more forward-thinking sector.

The Gender Gap in U.K. Construction

The U.K. is making strides toward gender equality, ranking 15th out of 146 countries in the 2023 Global Gender Gap Report. But the numbers in the construction industry tell a more profound story. There were only about 325,000 women in the U.K. construction industry in the fourth quarter of 2024, and leadership roles remain largely out of reach. The challenges include outdated gender norms and a work culture that has long favoured men.

Many women struggle to climb the ranks due to a lack of mentorship and the perception that leadership requires an authoritative on-site presence — a quality unfairly associated with men. This persistent stigma results in fewer women in executive roles, fewer role models and a slower path to change. While progress is happening, breaking these barriers requires a significant shift in how the industry views talent.

Challenges Women Face in Construction Leadership

If you’ve ever felt like the industry does not welcome women, you’re not alone. As Kelly Cartwright from Core Recruiter Ltd puts it, “The lack of awareness about opportunities and pathways within the sector can discourage women from pursuing education in construction.” Fewer women try, leading to limited mentorship, weaker networking opportunities and a lack of female role models in leadership positions.

Moreover, long hours and balancing family responsibilities can make career progression more challenging. Add the gender pay gap in leadership, and it’s easy to see why climbing the ranks feels like an uphill battle. However, change is happening, and the more the industry recognises these barriers, the more opportunities open for women who are ready to break through.

How These Challenges Impact Leadership Opportunities

Climbing the career ladder in construction involves proving your worth, often more than once. Women may face slower career progression because the industry expects them to work harder to prove their competence. And that’s a significant issue now, when clients expect quality work and high-end customer service on top of technical expertise.

Even if women have the skills, the “confidence gap” can hold them back, which makes them less likely to pursue leadership roles even when they’re overqualified. However, the overarching problem is limited access to senior positions, as crucial decisions occur in exclusive networks that women rarely participate in. As construction evolves, women prove that leadership involves expertise and the tenacity to deserve a seat at the table.

How Women Reach Leadership Positions and Succeeding

The best way to prove yourself is through education and hands-on experience. More women are earning degrees in construction management, civil engineering and project management. Taking on-site management roles allows you to showcase your technical expertise, leadership and problem-solving abilities, helping break outdated industry stereotypes.

To support this goal, companies like Galliford Try have stepped up, launching a three-year women’s mentoring programme for STEM students. Women who complete this can choose a role that interests them with the construction group and get guidance on interview preparation. The industry needs more initiatives like this to carve pathways for women to step into leadership and thrive in construction.

Steps to Support Female Leadership in Construction

Start by creating an inclusive work environment where everyone has a fair shot. That means enforcing anti-bias policies, promoting equal pay and giving women opportunities to lead. Senior female leaders stepping up to mentor the next generation inspire young professionals and help close the leadership gap.

Apprenticeship programmes are one of the smartest ways to bring in top talent. They expand your candidate pool and secure long-term employees who grow within your company. Encouraging more women to enter construction through apprenticeships and university courses is crucial.

Leading contractors like Mace Group are making promising progress — 44% of graduates in their two-year development programme and 38% of apprentices in their four-year programme identify as women or nonbinary.

Developing a Stronger Future With Inclusive Leadership

Businesses and industry professionals must step up and drive change to ensure women have equal opportunities to lead. A more diverse industry brings fresh perspectives, stronger innovation and a more skilled workforce to shape the future of U.K. construction.

Author: Evelyn Long 
Evelyn Long is a leading advocate for diversity and mental health in the construction industry. As a contributor to respected publications such as Construction Executive and Construction Business Owner, she shares her insights on fostering inclusivity and well-being in the trades. She also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Renovated Magazine, where she drives conversations around innovative practices and cultural change in construction.