Overview

The NSW Government's Women in Construction Program has released its third annual industry survey, providing the first opportunity to track meaningful trends across a three-year period. The survey collected responses from 252 businesses and 561 current construction workers, alongside 96 lapsed workers and 98 women interested in joining the industry.

Key Findings

Progress in Female Participation

The proportion of female workers per business has risen to approximately 23%, up from 20% in 2024. Female workforce numbers grew by 3% in 2025, while male staff numbers declined by 2% for the first time in the survey's history. Women are also shifting towards on-site roles, now comprising 46% of women's positions compared to 32% in 2024. The proportion of female employees undertaking education or training has jumped from 9% in 2023 to 23% in 2025.

Persistent Workplace Challenges

Men and women agree on the top four workplace challenges: lack of work-life balance (59%), lack of flexible working hours (48%), unequal pay for similar roles (44%), and lack of mentoring and leadership training (43%). However, women consistently report these challenges at higher rates, with a total challenge score of 580% across 13 categories compared to 441% for men.

Policy Implementation Gap

Businesses report consistent increases in gender-inclusive policy adoption. Flexible work hours are now offered by 78% of businesses for office staff and 60% for on-site workers, while female-friendly facilities have increased to 65% and 42% respectively. Career development programs are offered by 64% of businesses for office staff and 59% for on-site workers. Despite these reported increases, workers perceive no significant change in policy visibility or impact, suggesting a gap between policy adoption and meaningful implementation.

Discrimination and Harassment Remain High

Some 32% of workers reported experiencing gender-based discrimination or sexual harassment in the past year, down from 37% in 2024 but still substantially above the 5% and 8% rates reported in the NSW Public Sector Employee Survey. Women bear a disproportionate burden, with 70% reporting workplace discrimination and 35% reporting sexual harassment. Site-based female workers face the highest rates, with 76% reporting discrimination and 41% reporting harassment. Even female business owners report substantial rates, with 56% experiencing discrimination and 31% experiencing harassment. Only 12% of affected women have reported incidents, and just 47% of those were satisfied with how their reports were handled.

Perception Barriers to Attraction

Women interested in joining construction expect challenges at dramatically higher rates than current workers actually experience. For example, 84% of interested women anticipate unequal pay as a challenge compared to 44% of current workers, and 78% expect lack of respect for diverse ages compared to 34% who experience it. This perception gap may be deterring potential entrants.

Worker Engagement and Retention

Overall satisfaction stands at 74%, with 75% of workers likely to remain in the industry over five years. Women stay for career progression opportunities (42% vs 27% of men) and respectful treatment regardless of gender (33% vs 14% of men). Top reasons for considering leaving include lack of promotion opportunities (33%), long hours (32%), and difficulty balancing responsibilities (30%).

Program Achievements

Over the past year, the program completed its $5.9 million Industry Innovation Program funding 34 initiatives, embedded 19 Project Officers across 23 major infrastructure projects, hosted an inaugural Women in Construction Forum with over 200 attendees, and sponsored the NAWIC NSW Executive Women's Leadership Scholarship providing $30,000 for executive education.

Future Priorities

The program will continue gender equity initiatives on major transport infrastructure projects, pilot a 50% women's participation target on the Bank Street Park Project, and support women in leadership through scholarships, training and mentorship programs.

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