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Male Allies in Construction: Speak Up for Change

Writer's picture: Rebecca HealdRebecca Heald



The construction industry is known for its grit, hard work, and dedication. But there's another challenge that's been building up over the years – creating a truly inclusive environment for women. This isn’t just about avoiding sexism; it’s about stepping up as allies and making real, transformative change. Today, we're diving deep into how male allies in construction can go beyond the bare minimum and become champions for gender equality in the workplace.


Why Just Not Being Sexist Isn’t Enough


Simply put, not being sexist is the bare minimum. While it’s important to avoid discriminatory behaviour, true allyship goes beyond neutrality. It’s about actively supporting your female colleagues, advocating for their advancement, and challenging the status quo that often sidelines their contributions.


Speak Up Against Injustice


When you witness discriminatory behaviour or hear sexist comments, don’t stay silent. Call it out. It might be uncomfortable, but your voice can help change the culture. By addressing these issues head-on, you set a standard that such behaviour won’t be tolerated.


Imagine you're on a job site, and someone makes a derogatory comment about a female colleague. The easy route is to ignore it, but being an ally means stepping in and saying, "Hey, that's not cool. We respect everyone here." Your intervention can deter future incidents and signal to everyone that respect and equality are non-negotiable.


Champion Women’s Achievements


Make a point to highlight the accomplishments of your female colleagues. Whether it’s a shout-out in a meeting or a mention in an email, recognition goes a long way. By celebrating their successes, you help combat the biases that often overshadow women’s contributions.

For instance, if a female project manager successfully delivers a complex project, ensure her hard work is acknowledged. It’s not just about a pat on the back; it’s about publicly recognising her skill, dedication, and expertise. This not only boosts her confidence but also sets a precedent for valuing contributions based on merit, not gender.


Mentor and Support


Offer to mentor female colleagues and support their career growth. Share your knowledge, provide guidance, and open doors to opportunities. Your support can help break down barriers and foster a more inclusive environment.


Consider setting up a formal or informal mentoring programme within your organisation. By investing time in mentoring, you’re helping to build a pipeline of talented women who are prepared to take on leadership roles. This proactive approach ensures that women are not just participants but leaders in the industry.


Promote Gender Equality in Hiring


Advocate for diverse hiring practices. Encourage your company to seek out and hire more women for roles at all levels, from entry-level positions to leadership roles. Diverse teams bring diverse perspectives, leading to more innovative solutions.


When you’re involved in the hiring process, push for balanced candidate shortlists. Insist on fair and unbiased recruitment practices. Remember, the goal is not just to fill a quota but to build a team that benefits from a wide range of experiences and viewpoints.


Listen and Learn


Take the time to listen to the experiences and challenges of your female colleagues. Understand their perspectives and learn from them. This empathy and understanding can help you become a better ally and create a more supportive workplace.


Host listening sessions or informal gatherings where women in your workplace can share their experiences. Use these insights to inform your actions and policies. By truly understanding their challenges, you can better advocate for changes that make a real difference.


Advocate for Inclusive Policies


Push for policies that support gender equality. This includes advocating for equal pay, flexible working arrangements, and family leave policies that benefit everyone. Policies that support women ultimately create a more equitable workplace for all employees.


For example, if your company doesn’t already offer parental leave for both mothers and fathers, advocate for it. Flexible working hours can also make a huge difference, allowing employees to balance their work and personal lives more effectively. These policies help retain talented women and create a more supportive work environment.


Foster a Culture of Collaboration and Respect


Creating an inclusive workplace isn’t just about policies and practices; it’s about fostering a culture of collaboration and respect. Encourage open communication and teamwork, where every voice is heard and valued.


Promote team-building activities that emphasise cooperation and mutual respect. Lead by example in your interactions, demonstrating that collaboration is key to success. When everyone feels valued and included, the entire team thrives.


The Power of Data-Driven Decision-Making


Use data to drive your efforts toward gender equality. Collect and analyse data on hiring, promotions, pay equity, and employee satisfaction. Use this information to identify areas where improvement is needed and track the progress of your initiatives.


For instance, regular pay audits can help ensure that women are paid equitably for their work. Employee surveys can provide insights into the workplace climate and highlight areas where women may feel undervalued or unsupported. By leveraging data, you can make informed decisions that lead to meaningful change.


Celebrate Success Stories


Highlight and share success stories of women who have excelled in the construction industry. These stories can inspire others and demonstrate that gender equality is not only possible but beneficial.


Create a platform where women can share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs. This could be through newsletters, company meetings, or social media. By celebrating these stories, you show that women’s achievements are valued and pave the way for future leaders.


Conclusion: Building a Better Future Together


By stepping up as true allies, we can create a construction industry that’s not just open to women but actively supports and celebrates their contributions. It’s time to build a future where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive.


Let’s talk up, take action, and make this industry a place where all can succeed. Together, we can be bold, transformative, and impactful in creating a workplace that champions equality and diversity.


Stay revolutionary

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