Constructing Change: Empowering Women in Chile's Construction Industry

Abstract

The socioeconomic conditions of a country, public policies, and general practices in the construction sector are critical factors in increasing women's participation in the construction sector. This article reports the results of a study on the practices currently implemented in the construction sector. It analyses the level of awareness, knowledge, barriers, and drivers of women's participation in the construction sector. Furthermore, it analyses the influence of Chilean public policies to encourage this participation. Likewise, through some interviews, the primary beneficiaries' access to these practices is analyzed in depth. This study's findings indicate that Chile's construction industry is still in the initial phases of incorporating more women into its workforce. It was found that the strategies adopted to encourage female participation vary significantly depending on the size of the companies. Among the main obstacles to increasing female inclusion is the need for more awareness about its importance. On the other hand, effective government policies could include incentives to increase the presence of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers and technical fields, as well as improve postnatal leave conditions. These discoveries offer valuable insights for Chile and other developing countries and the creation of more effective government policies.