Celebrating Women in Construction Week

In Western societies, the construction industry is often regarded as a male-dominated field, with women facing significant barriers to entry and advancement and their presence is considered a recent phenomenon. However, the history of women in construction is rich and diverse and specially when we consider the international landscape, it is very palpable how in certain cultures, women have been the backbone of the construction sector since ancient times, shaping the built environment and contributing to the advancement of societies from antiquity to the present day but also challenging conventional narratives and highlighting the diverse history of gender roles in building civilizations.

In Eastern cultures such as those found in Central Africa, Native American tribes, India, and Papua New Guinea, women’s involvement in construction predates recorded history. Among the Aka Pygmies of Central Africa, for example, women are traditionally responsible for building shelters using materials gathered from the forest. Similarly, in the Iroquois Confederacy of North America, women were the primary builders of communal longhouses, demonstrating their expertise in architectural design and construction techniques. These cultures are often organised in matrilineal societies which are characterized by social structures where lineage and inheritance are traced through the female line. This is why, in societies such as the Khasi and Jaintia tribes of Meghalaya, India, and the Trobriand Islands of Papua New Guinea for example, women hold significant authority and responsibility in decision-making processes, including house construction. This matrilineal inheritance system has empowered women to take on leadership roles in construction, challenging traditional gender norms and expectations.

Women in these cultures possess specialized knowledge and skills that are passed down through generations, enabling them to construct durable and sustainable dwellings using locally available materials.

The historic dominance of women in the construction sector in the above mentioned cultures, has contributed to the resilience and sustainability of their built environment. Through their expertise and ingenuity, women have created structures that withstand environmental challenges and meet the needs of their communities. Moreover, their involvement in construction reflects a holistic approach to building, integrating cultural, social, and environmental considerations into architectural design and construction practices.

Despite their significant contributions, women’s role in construction in Eastern cultures has often been overlooked or marginalized in historical narratives. However, platforms like the National Association of Women in Construction, recognise women’s role in the heritage of the building industry through the documentation of traditional construction techniques and empower women to continue their legacy. And companies like Telling Rainscreens, celebrate women’s invaluable skillset at work and in the industry as a whole and provide opportunities and invest in the future and the professional career of every member of its team regardless of its gender.

The presence of women in the construction sector is not a recent phenomenon but rather a timeless tradition in many Eastern cultures. From ancient civilizations to modern-day communities, women have been the unsung heroes of construction, shaping the built environment and enriching the cultural heritage of their societies. As we celebrate their historic contributions, let us also recognise the importance of preserving and honouring women’s legacy in construction for future generations to appreciate and learn from.