WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION: BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING BRICK BY BRICK

Hair extension, voguish clothes, catalogues of vanities and luxuries are certainly one of the few pleasures solely doled out to women. From caring too much about their nails being chipped, to too much dirt and ‘filth’ to work in, the blanket has already been thrown in with men resigning themselves to the fact that women prefer air-conditioned room, in their six inch stiletto bossing around the office than in ‘work clothes.

 Touché to that! But it does leave a percentage of women who actually revel at the prospects of challenges and treading on new and different terrains. More like straying from the obvious, the usual soporific tune of women are not cut out for it and vulnerable, leaves a feeble impression on men.

The motive isn’t to garner some superiority points against men and the last time I checked, women can beat men blindfolded on any intellectual platform (certainly going to generate lots of banter). The point here is women can, biology shouldn’t inhibit and pose threat to our progress. Personally I was completely floored when saw a huge bus with a woman in the drivers’ seat, I had to blink and pinch myself a couple of times to convince myself it was real. Not that it doesn’t happen, but its as rare as the eclipse.

Construction sector has witnessed an abysmal percentage of women showing any form of interest in it. Some were discouraged, others got burned by chauvinism and yet still other had dogged determination to succeed nonetheless. Although there are women as construction professionals, just a few percentages actually represent manual workers.

Myths about the construction industry have been the prime bane. When people think construction their first thought is mostly bricklaying, blocks dust, loose metals et al, and they are right. Popping on the hardhat and working onsite certainly have its plusses, being a woman for one in a male dominated zone with prying hands and eyes and leaving them gaping with knowledge of the craft.

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Even with the staunchest of resilience and parting shots, some women get overwhelmed with the backlash from guys, with their threatening presence and equal or even better aptitude, who wouldn’t be? Being assertive has been the thriving elements for the few women who find themselves in the industry. No one promises a stroll in the park, but proving your knowledge, ability a control gives the boys something to think about and as a consequent gaining their respect.

Some may reckon women as the most unlucky of species in this regard. But what is unlucky about being noticed and causing a few hairs to stand on end? Women feel more confident now than the 19th and early 20th century, being saddled with fighting for certain bills to be passed and lucrative opportunities. Whether you find yourself as a trench digger, geologist or workhand, women have proved their worth and it’s not about changing.

If it’s worth anything, interest is being spiked amongst women to break the glass ceiling with the brick of resilience and strength of dominance, all they require is opportunity and conducive work environment.

BY ANGELA ASHONG -PE NEWS