Women in Construction: Building an Inclusive Future
Numerous studies across Europe and the world confirm that women remain significantly underrepresented in many sectors and construction is one of the most prominent examples. Traditionally seen as a “male” profession, the construction industry is still shaped by psychosocial factors that limit women’s participation.
From early childhood, through the way girls are raised and the messages society sends about what careers are “suitable,” to an environment where strong gender stereotypes prevail, all of this reinforces the perception that technical professions, especially construction, are “reserved” for men. On top of that, the lack of visible female role models in the field further discourages young women from seeing construction as a viable career path.
The truth, however, is that construction is not just about physical labor. It’s about planning, design, engineering, management, innovation, and sustainable development, all areas where women can and should play a vital role. To make that possible, we must provide access to education, empowerment, and opportunities.
Three Levels of Change: Education, Awareness, and Advocacy
To transform this reality, we must act systematically and simultaneously on several levels. At ZENOS, we believe that meaningful change is built through:
- Education – because knowledge opens doors. When women are offered professional training, practical skills, and real opportunities for advancement, they gain the power to step into sectors that were once closed to them.
- Awareness – because change begins with understanding. We must continuously highlight gender inequalities while showcasing inspiring examples of women who have broken through barriers in construction.
- Advocacy – because institutions, companies, and education systems play a crucial role in shaping policies and programs that ensure equal access to resources and opportunities.
Women in Construction – An Erasmus+ Initiative That Builds Opportunities
That’s why we’re proud to share that ZENOS is a partner in the Women in Construction (WEC) project, an Erasmus+ initiative aimed at empowering women in the construction industry across the Western Balkans and the European Union.
The WEC project seeks to build the foundations for a more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative construction sector by developing vocational education and training (VET) programs tailored to women’s needs and the realities of the labor market.
Through a combination of research, curriculum development, digital tools, and targeted training, the project delivers tangible results and lasting benefits for women, companies, and educational institutions alike.
The project includes:
- Research and mapping of labor market and gender gaps in seven countries,
- Development of four VET curriculum modules tailored to women in construction,
- Creation of a digital platform featuring 40 articles, 4 online courses, and 16 inspiring stories,
- A practical training toolkit and eight workshops engaging 160 professionals from the construction and VET sectors.
What makes WEC truly special is that it doesn’t just build skills, it builds confidence, inclusion, and opportunity. It proves that the future of construction belongs equally to women and men, and that equality is not just a moral value, it’s a driver of innovation and growth.
Research as the Foundation for Change
As we approach the end of the first year of the project, we are proud to announce that one of the key activities, research and mapping of labor market and gender gaps, has been successfully completed.
This phase focused on collecting data from seven countries to better understand women’s presence in the construction sector, the barriers they face, and the challenges that still prevent full equality.
The analysis will help us identify key points for intervention, where to focus additional efforts, which policies should evolve, and how education systems can better support women who aspire to build careers in construction.
We will soon publish the research results, sharing valuable insights with the public and stakeholders across the region, because we believe that transparency and shared knowledge are essential steps toward equal opportunities for all.
Building the Foundations of an Inclusive Future
At ZENOS, we firmly believe that empowering women is not only a matter of gender equality, it is a matter of development, innovation, and sustainability. When women are given the chance to contribute, societies become more creative, resilient, and economically stronger.
That’s why we are proud to continue contributing to the Women in Construction project together with our partners from across the Western Balkans and the EU. Every activity we implement, every training, every workshop, every inspiring story, represents another brick in building a fairer, more inclusive society.
Because the future of construction is not only about new materials and technologies, it’s about people. And among those people, there should be more women than ever before.
Learn more about the project at women-in-construction.eu