At just 21 years old, María Balbuena Gutiérrez is a site forewoman at a regional construction company. With a strong background in Building and Civil Works Projects, she is well aware of the challenges and opportunities facing women in an industry that remains predominantly male.

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

The industry has changed very little. It is still highly male-dominated, and in my experience, there is a lack of respect towards women, especially younger ones. Subcontractors tend to be the biggest issue—that’s where the most blatant sexist attitudes come to light.

How do you assess female participation in this sector?

I got into construction through family connections—my father worked as a painter. But overall, there isn’t enough career guidance that presents construction as a viable option for women. Many barriers are internal; we hesitate to enter an environment that we perceive as hostile.

What roles do women typically take on in construction?

On the technical side, I’ve met female architects, quantity surveyors, and site forewomen. However, I have yet to see women working directly in trades on-site.

How do you see the future for women in construction?

I think things will improve, but we need greater female presence on-site for us to gain the respect we deserve. Also, some attitudes among male colleagues need to change—we don’t need to be treated with extra care, just as equals who are fully capable of doing any job.

What factors could help improve female inclusion in the industry?

The industry offers opportunities for all women, but better organisation, structure, and work-life balance are key. There should also be closer supervision on-site to ensure respectful workplace relationships.

What are the biggest obstacles preventing women from entering and staying in construction?

Sexist attitudes are the main problem, along with the gender-based division of tasks. Additionally, the industry is highly stressful due to tight deadlines, which discourages many women from staying in the field.

What strategies do you suggest to promote gender equality?

More supervision and monitoring on-site are crucial—not just to encourage respect among colleagues but also to ensure that those in leadership actively foster an inclusive environment.

Do you think digital and green skills are key to increasing female participation?

Yes, they can open doors, but smaller companies are still not at the stage of implementing these technologies widely. So while training is important, the reality on-site often doesn’t reflect these advancements yet.

What message would you like to share with the industry?

We are not weak—we can do any job that men can. It’s essential that we are seen as equals and that our presence at all levels of the sector becomes completely normalised.