Women in construction: A study on leadership

The women participation rate in construction sector both in academia and
industry is very low, particularly at senior management level. The statistical analyses of
western countries reveal that while the numbers of women entering management positions
continues to increase, women remain under-represented in senior executive positions. It is
important to attract and retain professional women with good leadership qualification and
skills in the senior positions in order to maintain a good standard and professionalism within
the construction sector. In this context, this paper will examine the literature relating to the
educational and executive leadership in construction associated with Women. Focus will be
given on the reasons behind the under-representation of women both at educational and
executive leadership levels within the construction sector. The study also examines the
barriers faced by women entering senior executive positions