At 50 years old, María Carmen Baños has explored various professional fields, from fashion and beauty to cooking and pastry. In her spare time, she decided to train in construction to carry out home renovations, which has given her firsthand experience of the challenges women face in the industry. In this interview, she reflects on her journey and the barriers that still persist.

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

The construction sector remains highly male-dominated and sexist. I have experienced harassment, even during training courses, and there is a constant sense of paternalism towards women. This reflects the perception that construction is still seen as a space reserved for men.

How do you evaluate women’s participation in this field?

Women excel in this sector—we are just as capable as men, if not more so. There are no limits to what we can do in construction, except those we impose on ourselves.

How do you see the evolution of women’s roles in construction over recent years?

There has been some progress, but I still see very few women in the industry. While I hope the situation improves, I don’t trust politicians to drive real change—many of their proposals seem more like populist promises than genuine efforts towards equality.

What are the main obstacles for women in construction?

It’s a highly male-dominated and sexist sector where women constantly have to prove their worth—something that is never demanded of men. Women are often seen as outsiders, which makes it even harder for us to establish ourselves in the industry.

What strategies or resources could improve women’s inclusion in this sector?

We need training programmes with a gender perspective and a real commitment from both governments and companies. However, many policies seem more like publicity stunts than serious initiatives to promote equality.

What motivated you to train in construction and carry out your own home renovations?

I find manual work very fulfilling. Learning these skills has also helped me save money by doing my own home renovations, which gives me a great sense of personal satisfaction.

How do you see the future for women in construction?

I hope the situation improves little by little. There is still a long way to go, but women are fully capable of overcoming these challenges.

What message would you like to share with women considering entering this sector?

Don’t hold back. We are just as capable as men, and technical skills can be acquired through continuous training. Although it is frustrating to have to prove ourselves constantly, it is worth fighting for our place in the industry.

How do your daughters feel about your work in a traditionally male-dominated field?

They are very proud of me. They always tell me I’m a “super mum,” and that fills me with joy. Moreover, they don’t see construction as a profession only for men, which shows that younger generations are changing the way they think.