Women as Professional Workers in the Construction Industry: A review of Structural-Cultural Barriers and Their Implication for Sustainable Development

The construction industry is one of the largest and most influential industries globally, requiring a continuous supply of professional human resources to meet increasing technological and development demands. Women professionals represent a significant potential workforce; however, gender inequality remains prevalent in the construction sector, which is traditionally male-dominated. Women are still underrepresented due to persistent structural and cultural barriers, including masculine stereotypes, discriminatory workplace environments, and limited career opportunities. This condition has encouraged researchers to examine the challenges faced by women and explore innovative solutions to attract and retain them in construction professions. This study aims to review existing literature on women in the construction industry, with a particular focus on identifying key structural–cultural barriers and innovative strategies that can enhance women’s participation. The findings are expected to contribute to discussions on gender equality and sustainable development in the construction industry.