Despite Low Number of Women Professionals, Indian Construction Sector Home to Inspiring Women Leaders

By: Rachita Sharma, Managing Editor | Wednesday, 19 July 2023

Construction is one of the key industries for the Indian industry. Standing only second to agriculture, the Indian construction sector is touted to be worth $639 billion in 2022. The industry which is the third largest of its counterparts globally will expand at a six percent CAGR between 2023-2028 as stated by a study by Mordor Intelligence.

The Indian construction industry is also mega employer, providing job opportunities to both skilled and unskilled individuals. The industry employed nearly 35 million people in 2022 and saw employment rise from 11.6 percent in 2019-20 to 12.4% in 2021-22.

One might expect such a mega employer to be home to a high representation of women in all spheres, but the truth is far from that. Although women account for almost 65 percent of the labourers working on-ground, yet women are hugely underrepresented in other technical and leadership roles.

The industry has technical roles such as civil engineers, architects, structural engineers, electrical engineers, maintenance and supervisorial staff. Women form only 1.4 percent of this total workforce. Only 2 percent of these women ever reach the top leadership roles.

The irony within the construction industry is stark. Although exceeding number of women work as labourers, yet when it comes to technical field, the general consensus is that the construction industry is not well suited for women.

as disheartening as the numbers might be, it is still important to shine the spotlight on the women leaders who are defying all odds and carving a niche for themselves in the male dominated construction and infrastructure industry in India.

The current edition of Women Entrepreneur India magazine celebrates such women leaders and brings to our readers their inspiration professional journey. Gracing the cover is Shruti Gat, Founder & CEO, Reclasteel. Holding a dual degree, in Mechanical engineering, and Fashion Designing, she felt an inclination towards steel industry. It is her passion for steel and heavy machinery and relatively business, that has led her to being established as a renowned entrepreneur in the steel and steel construction industry today.

The magazine’s current issue also takes you through the professional Odessey of Sindhu GM, Managing Partner, 3E SERVICES; Archana Ashok, Co-Founder, Karmic Infra; Chitra Sundararajan Jain, Samyak Properties and Infrastructure; and Ishita Bhattacharya, the Brand & Digital Head of Tata Realty and Infrastructure (North & East Region & Maldives).

These women and their rise in the Indian construction and infrastructure sector is testament to the winds of change that are in motion in India. More power to these women of steel.

Do let us know your thoughts!