At just 22 years old, Bárbara Pérez Casado has already built a strong foundation in the construction industry. As a qualified Building Projects Technician, she now works for a major construction company as a BIM engineering consultant. In this interview, she shares her experiences and reflects on the challenges and opportunities for women in a sector still marked by inequality.

How would you describe the situation for women in the construction industry?

The industry is still highly male-dominated and challenging for women. My personal experience has shown me that, while I haven’t had issues with colleagues, I have faced difficulties with superiors—particularly regarding work-life balance. There is a perception that women will eventually ‘cause problems’ by wanting to start a family, and that affects our standing in the sector.

How would you assess female participation in the industry?

Accessing the sector as a woman is difficult. Although the law allows for measures like reduced working hours, in practice, taking these options often penalises us. Men receive bonuses and extra pay that many of us miss out on simply because our working conditions don’t fit the same model. There is a significant gap that we need to close.

What roles do women typically take on in construction?

From my experience, women are more commonly found in administrative roles or as site managers, overseeing tasks like execution control, orders, and materials. It’s rare to see women working directly in trades such as electricians or bricklayers. This is something that needs to change.

What factors could help improve female inclusion in the sector?

Companies must implement measures like flexible working hours, respect for personal time, and stronger teamwork values. Women bring a lot to the industry—attention to detail, organisation, cleanliness, a collaborative approach, and strong teamwork skills. If these strengths were more valued, we would see significant change.

What obstacles make it difficult for women to stay in construction?

Many companies still have an outdated mindset. Women are penalised for seeking a balance between work and personal life. More effective policies are needed to ensure true equality, as men simply don’t face the same barriers.

How do you see the future for women in the industry?

I believe we will see more women entering the field, especially due to the increasing demand for labour. However, if we want this inclusion to be sustainable, companies and the industry as a whole must adapt to our needs and provide real opportunities for career growth.

What changes do you think are needed in terms of policies and incentives?

It’s important to increase visibility for women in the industry and introduce incentives that support long-term careers. Despite its challenges, construction is a rewarding and motivating sector. But for more women to stay, they need to feel supported.

What skills do you consider essential for women looking to enter this field?

Keeping up to date with digital skills, BIM technology, and green competencies is crucial. The industry is evolving rapidly, and innovation is key to remaining competitive and standing out.

What message would you like to share with other women interested in construction?

I hope no one else has to go through what I’ve experienced, and I hope to see many more women in the industry in the future—it would be hugely beneficial for the sector. Women have a lot to offer, and we deserve a fair and equal place in this industry.