Women will be absent from this year’s Construction Manager of the Year Awards (CMYA) next month. In spite of a concerted effort by the CIOB, which organises the event, not one woman is included among this year’s 86 finalists – unsurprisingly, as it turns out, there was not even in a single female entrant.
The CIOB had actively expanded the scope of the categories and reached out through its networks to try to attract more women. However, once again it will be an all-male affair.
The awards, considered to be the pinnacle of the construction management industry, have had female finalists and winners before from companies such as BAM and Lendlease, but the state of affairs seems to be one of regression.
When it comes to being a construction manager and actually working on site, it is estimated that 99% are men so perhaps it shouldn’t be a surprise. However, with the number of initiatives and groups now running across the industry, it would be hoped that numbers entering such awards, and in general entering and staying in construction, should be rising.
Among the reasons given by those in the industry for the continued lack of a female presence are sexism, lack of confidence and retention and recruitment issues.
For in depth coverage on the issue click here.
Hi. I’m a female site manager running a large commercial EWI contract in Bristol. I’ve been in the trade for 16 years and have usually found my gender to be an asset (once people get over the novelty). Perhaps the low number of female entrants to CM of the Year was due to lack of awareness of the competition?
Hi
I am a construction director and have been in the industry for the last 28 years. I started out as a setting out engineer and worked through the ranks until 3 of us set up our contracting & development company 18 years ago.
The industry is no different to any other – as a female you need to work hard and prove yourself – there are always inequalities – not only am I a female – but British Asian as well – but i do not see these being an issue – my knowledge and experience far outweigh any is these!
Likewise – I was not aware of these awards – although they do not necessary apply to me anymore!