Why Women’s Leadership Matters in Construction?
The construction industry has undergone transformative changes in the last decade, driven by diversified funding and technological advancement. The sector’s progress has been most prominent in the Middle East region, where it contributes significantly to the economic growth of various countries. According to the Middle East Economic Digest, the GCC region alone has a construction and infrastructure projects pipeline exceeding USD 2.7 trillion, with Saudi Arabia contributing USD 1.5 trillion to this total. Major projects such as Saudi Arabia’s NEOM and the UAE’s Etihad Rail are attracting companies from around the world, while a growing expatriate population and demand for real estate drive further growth. However, this surge in construction activity also exposes challenges, such as labour shortages and regulatory changes, that hinder the industry’s ability to meet demand.
The construction industry has a reputation for being male-dominated, with women representing less than 11 per cent of the global workforce and 3 per cent of the front-line workers. Attracting and retaining women talent would not only ease the labour shortage in the short term but also accrue long-term benefits in terms of longevity and sustainability. Women who lead these companies and hold managerial positions are especially crucial in bringing about positive change. Their leadership has the potential to reshape the construction industry, making it more resilient, innovative, and successful.
Some of the key advantages that the industry gains from women’s leadership include:
· Fresh Perspectives
Women bring unique and valuable perspectives that their male counterparts might not, paving the way for the industry to become more flexible in its operations. Teams that include female leaders may brainstorm and experiment with a broader range of strategies and solutions rather than aligning with the status quo. Their insights can significantly contribute to risk management, as they may have a better grasp of challenges and pitfalls that others overlook.
· Cultural Change
Women leaders have the power to drive broader cultural change within the companies they work with. Whether intentional or otherwise, a predominantly male-dominated industry carries forward certain biases and assumptions that can make women employees uncomfortable. Having women leaders and managers not only reduces the likelihood of offensive remarks and actions but also creates a safe space for junior employees to express their frustrations. By creating a more inclusive, welcoming, and equitable work environment, the entire organisation gains higher morale and thrives.
· Community Impact
Women leaders in the construction industry serve as role models for the entire community. Young girls considering their career options are inspired by seeing themselves leading and taking charge in construction companies, which makes that future seem possible to them. Employees across the organisation also gain confidence in their workplace, knowing they can progress and grow regardless of their gender. Women leaders shatter stereotypes on two fronts: what careers in the industry look like and what women are capable of achieving.
· Safety and Security
Physically demanding professions often have strict safety guidelines, ranging from work hours to uniforms. Having women represented ensures that these guidelines do not overlook the physiological differences between men and women and that safety guidelines incorporate the unique challenges women may face on construction sites.
· Stronger Communication and Collaboration
Studies have shown that women communicate more concretely and build stronger connections than their male counterparts, making them critical for long-term organisational success. Effective communication strengthens a company holistically, improving how project objectives are conveyed and how team members feel supported and empowered. This ensures that stakeholders understand key details and that team members collaborate to complete projects in a timely, fiscally sound manner.
· Expanded Talent Pool
Perhaps the most potent change lies in how women leaders can expand the talent pool available to construction companies. They can help companies attract more women talent and meet industry demand, making gender-balanced teams a profitable and business-savvy investment. This could also make organisations more agile and adaptable, enabling them to draw on a broader range of skills to address emerging challenges or seize new opportunities.
While the construction industry remains a backbone of economic growth in the MENA region, the paucity of talent remains a key barrier to long-term sustainability. Women leaders don’t just help with tokenistic representation; they bring fresh insights, flexibility, and an inclusive work culture to their organisations. By highlighting their contributions and the avenues for growth in an industry as critical as construction, we can inspire the next generation and advance the socioeconomic development of our nations.
As featured in Construction Business News February 2026 edition