A twenty year review of women's participation within the construction trade sector of the Australian construction industry

Abstract

Whilst women's involvement in many sectors of the Australian economy has increased this has not been the case in construction. This paper presents an analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics data relating to women's participation within the Construction industry in Australia. Data from five census collections, namely 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001 and 2006 were analysed. In particular women's involvement overall and within the construction trade sector was explored. While the data reveals some positive features, such as the increase in women within professional roles, overall the data reveals a fairly negative picture which is of concern. Despite social changes and equity initiatives women's part..