Safer and more inclusive workplaces are key

The National Association of Women in Construction is stepping up efforts to make the industry safer and more inclusive.

- Cathryn Greville Chief Executive Officer National Association of Women in Construction

Now in its 30th year, the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) remains committed to supporting women in the sector and tackling the difficult issues head-on to bring about culture change.

We launched our Ending Gender Harassment and Building Safer Workplaces campaign during National Safe Work Month in October with a flagship panel event in Melbourne. We also recently released the findings of a study commissioned by our New South Wales chapter into parental leave in the construction industry.

Gender harassment

Figures from the Australian Human Rights Commission show more than 40 per cent of women and 26 per cent of men have experienced workplace sexual harassment in the past five years. The construction industry ranks among those with the highest rates and lowest levels of formal reporting.

The NSW Government's annual Women in Construction survey released in October reported that 70 per cent of women have experienced discrimination in the workplace within the past 12 months. Of those workers who may consider leaving the industry, 16 per cent of women cited sexual harassment as a reason.