Women in Construction survey views: equal opportunities

Women’s experiences of and views about equal opportunities in construction:

"Around ten years ago, I had a strong basis for bringing an equal pay case but was discouraged from pursuing it, something I still regret. The organisation's only given reason for paying my male counterpart a higher salary was that he had been paid more in his previous job, which is a neat illustration of the cumulative effect, throughout our careers and beyond into our pension, of us accepting lower pay."

Anon

"In a team with 8 white middle aged men, being a hardworking female [QS] helps me to stand out, which has been recognised by my employer and as a result I have made the fastest career progression of all of my colleagues."

Anon

"The main concern I have is the salary difference. The salary provided for male staff is generally a lot higher than women in same roles."

Anon

"The problem isn't so much how women are treated as part of their day to day jobs, as i find most people to be very respectful. The problem is the 'boys club' mentality, that sees social activities relating to work very much split by gender. When so much depends on the relationships you build with colleagues, being excluded from those social situations where professional relationships with more senior, mostly male colleagues develop, can impact seriously on a woman's prospects for career development in the industry."

Anon

"Unfortunately I do believe that men recruiting for senior roles in their organisations do sometimes choose not to interview strong candidates because they are females in their 30s and they worry about maternity leave possibilities. This can be career limiting for women."

Anon

"I have been fortunate enough to have parents who told me that I can do anything a man can, and to not let anyone say I can't achieve any goal I set my mind to. There have been some instances in my career where I find myself in a position where progression isn't going to be possible; be it because of company politics or line management obstruction. in these cases I evaluate the possible outcomes for contesting and if it is really worth the effort. To date is hasn't been so I often opt to move to new company where I set out career ambitions and expectations at interview stage this way the chances of disappointment are lower, and also companies not able to cater to my requirements are filtered through."

Anon

"There is still poor recognition of the contribution women make in the industry. Particular comments and demeaning behaviour all damage the contribution made. Just because a woman may have an academic rather than trades background does not make her a less valuable candidate. Remove the everyday misogynist attitudes and we might start to get somewhere. It's an ongoing struggle. What century are we in again?"

Anon

Men's experiences of and views about equal opportunities in construction:

"I have only worked in offices for the majority of my career where there is either no female technical staff, current role I have had one or two in my office. We are really trying to diversify but female engineers are not abundant in the South West! Our London based offices are doing much better. I really think the investment in promoting engineering as a career is within schools."

Anon