WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION: RESTARTING FROM THE VALORIZATION OF SKILLS FOR A MORE EQUITABLE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

The entire construction supply chain employs 12% women, and only 9% when considering companies directly operating on construction sites. Looking at these figures, it is easy to define the construction sector as a predominantly male industry, where women are often confined to secondary roles.

Is there a way to make the role of women in this industry more equitable? An answer comes directly from the words of several female executives at GSE Italia, one of the leading players in industrial construction worldwide, distinguished among its competitors by a strong focus on valuing employees’ skills and competencies regardless of gender.

This approach translates into a 37.5% female employment rate, more than three times the industry average, as well as the presence of several women in key roles leading strategic areas of the company.

Valentina Fiorito, Construction Proposal Engineer & Tender Manager: “What is GSE Italia’s secret? Considering employees as resources, not as men or women, and evaluating them exclusively on the basis of their skills and results. We are aware that this should be standard practice in the professional world, particularly in technical fields, but that is often not the case. In one of my previous experiences, I saw design and conceptual work routinely assigned to men because it was considered ‘more suited to them,’ while women were typically given administrative and back-office tasks, without any real assessment of individual aptitudes and capabilities. It was a default decision, regardless of an objective evaluation of reality.”

A results-oriented approach at GSE Italia also means having your work recognized and being given appropriate career development opportunities, as explained by Charlène Castellano, Business Development Director at GSE Italia: “From the moment I entered the workforce, I faced gender bias that, despite my determination and qualifications, never allowed me to stand out because I was a young woman. This situation continued until I joined GSE Italia six years ago. After just one month, solely thanks to my commitment, the management chose to believe in me and included me in a development program that allowed me to visit all GSE Group’s international subsidiaries and learn everything I could from my colleagues. Thanks to this experience and the results I achieved over the years, I enjoyed rapid career growth that enabled me to fulfil my professional ambitions, progressing from assistant to director without having to give up important milestones in my personal life. I have recently returned from maternity leave and resumed my position as director without any issues. I experienced this period with great peace of mind thanks to the respect shown by both colleagues and managers, who never made me feel my absence was a burden.”

These factors are closely linked to corporate culture, which must necessarily follow a top-down approach, as highlighted by Cinzia Montagner, Legal Manager at GSE Italia: “It starts at the top. GSE’s President has a very respectful attitude toward women. This respect cascades throughout the organization, involving all male managers down to my direct supervisors, who evaluate me on the basis of my work but are also attentive to personal aspects of our lives to ensure a more balanced and positive working environment. A clear example of this culture is my working schedule: despite the importance of my role, I was granted a part-time contract that allows me to dedicate time to my family as well. Protecting women means protecting every aspect of who they are, including motherhood.”

For women to establish themselves professionally without having to give up essential parts of their identity such as motherhood, it is crucial to be part of a healthy working environment that allows them to fully express their professionalism. This too should be the foundation of any normal employment relationship, but, as Daria Berni, Project Manager at GSE Italia, explains, this is far from always being the case: “I believe the key factor for women seeking professional success is claiming the power of their own voice, which comes from the recognition of their professional stature. In a previous role, I often found myself in meetings where I was the only woman, and the only person addressed by first and last name, while everyone else was introduced using their professional title. Getting used to belittling attitudes like this can lead women to stop speaking up and forget that they have a voice. I found mine again at GSE Italia, where everyone, from the Country Manager to the most junior colleagues, seeks my input and values my expertise.”

It is therefore a question of self-confidence, which seems to be lacking when it comes to women and scientific disciplines, according to the data: only 23% of Italian STEM graduates are women, while women account for 59% of graduates overall. On this topic, Sofia Lamberti, QSM Manager at GSE Italia, states: “I am convinced that these figures are explained by the fact that there are still too many stereotypes regarding ‘men’s jobs’ and ‘women’s jobs.’ To overcome this situation, I believe it is essential to focus concretely on younger generations. For example, I would like to visit schools and share my experience, demonstrating that it is entirely possible for a woman to coordinate a team of 60 men, even in the construction industry. It is important to work on raising awareness among young girls, offering positive role models and encouraging them to pursue their goals without being constrained by cultural stereotypes.”