The construction industry plays a unique role in economic growth and significantly impacts both the economy and society. It has a lasting and beneficial impact on improving the lives of our citizens at home. With a weak construction industry, yes, it is possible to fail to reconstruct its built environment. But with the solid construction industry, we have the opportunity to invest around the globe and live a better life.

  Now, it is hard to imagine what this world would look like without the industry. No schools, the ability to learn basic skills. No hospitals, the place where you treat minor and severe diseases or illnesses. No homes, shops, offices, factories etc., this shows how the construction industry represents the building blocks.

  The question is, where are all the women? Gender diversity in the construction industry is disturbingly poor. Women make up around 14%of the entire workforce, which can only be encouraged to rise with more and more women choosing construction jobs. Now, the problem is sexism. Research shows that half of the female construction workers are treated worse than males because of their gender, but I think there should be a broader challenge to encourage young people not to see it as a male-only career. They are paid less than their male co-workers, earning 79% of what men who have the same jobs make. It doesn’t matter whether or not you’re a woman. If you’re good at your job, you should be comfortable with yourself and never be ashamed of who you are.

  I believe working in construction makes you feel precious in society. You’re working a job that you know can change people’s quality of life, which makes you proud of performing that job. I feel like every day is different in construction, it’s dynamic, and there are many challenges. It keeps you driven and curious to know and learn more. There is no difference between females and males in terms of skills they bring to a project. It’s just a matter of encouraging women to start this kind of career. Construction historian Dr Christine Well has confirmed that women were involved in the construction of Waterloo Bridge from 1937 to 1942. For example, Indian construction is the third-largest employer of women, with 5.7 million women working on sites every day. Yet if you look around the world, women have been involved heavily in construction activities and on-site throughout history more than they are now.