The Berdinduz project, developed by the Basque Fundación Laboral de la Construcción, marks a turning point in gender mainstreaming in the construction sector in the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country (ACBC). This project, designed to promote compliance with equality regulations, goes beyond corrective measures, linking equality with occupational health and safety.

With a clear objective, Berdinduz seeks to prevent direct or indirect discrimination that may affect the occupational health of workers. Among its most outstanding achievements is the creation of the digital tool generandoprevención.com, designed to provide practical resources adapted to different profiles in the sector.

A necessary transformation in the sector

The construction sector faces major structural challenges, as women represent less than 11% of the workforce and their presence on construction sites is very low. The lack of generational replacement and the low interest of young people in the profession highlight the need to incorporate women as part of the solution. In this context, Berdinduz presents itself as an opportunity to redesign work spaces and conditions, promoting inclusive and safe environments.

Tangible impact of the project

Through a campaign of face-to-face visits, Berdinduz reached 248 companies with less than 50 employees, directly impacting 6,500 workers. In addition, it organised the sectoral conference “Integration of the gender perspective in occupational risk prevention: from obligation to opportunity”, with the participation of 147 professionals from companies, entities and public administrations.

Challenges and opportunities

Despite the progress made, Berdinduz has identified significant barriers. Many companies are unaware of their obligations in terms of equality, and current training efforts do not achieve a transformative change in people. However, growing awareness in the construction value chain and the interest of social partners show that change is possible.

Berdinduz is more than a project, it is an example of how a traditionally masculinised sector can lead the way towards equality, demonstrating that integrating the gender perspective is not only a legal imperative, but a tool for social and economic progress.