Enough is Enough: Calling Out Bias Against Women in Construction

By James Fleming, MD at The Power Within Training

I’ll be honest with you; I’m writing this because I’ve had enough.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been reading through the comments on our ads for our Women in Leadership programme for women in construction, and it’s been non-stop.

Comment after comment, dripping with bias, condescension, or just outright nastiness. And I’m not talking about one or two isolated remarks. I’m talking about hundreds.

Some of them I can’t even repeat here without censoring. But here’s a sample:

“Never met a woman on site who wasn’t a complete liability.”

“I joined construction to get away from women.”

“You can’t lead in construction unless you’ve been on the tools for years.”

“Women don’t have the skills, strength or banter to work in trades.”

Reading this kind of rubbish isn’t just disappointing, it’s infuriating.

Because every single day, I meet and work with incredible women in construction. We’ve supported thousands across the UK, and I can tell you this: they’re talented, capable, and making a huge difference to the industry. And they’re doing it while putting up with this kind of nonsense in the background.

This Isn’t Just Online Noise

Some people will shrug and say, “It’s just social media, ignore it.”

No. This isn’t harmless. These comments reflect attitudes that still exist on sites, in offices, and in boardrooms across the UK. They’re the reason so many women in construction have to work twice as hard to be taken seriously.

I’ve had conversations with women who’ve been told to “lighten up” when they challenge inappropriate remarks, who’ve been passed over for promotions they were more than qualified for, and who’ve had to constantly prove they belong, even when they’re delivering results.

These attitudes drive good people out of the industry. They limit potential. And they stop construction from becoming as strong and innovative as it could be.

Why I Care So Deeply About This

I didn’t start my career in a boardroom. I was an electrician. I know what it’s like to be on the tools, to graft in all weathers, to earn respect on site.

Later, I worked in oil and gas before co-founding The Power Within Training with my wife, Enas. Over the years, we’ve worked with companies across the UK, from small contractors to national firms, and I’ve seen firsthand the impact great leadership has, regardless of whether it comes from a man or a woman.

And let me tell you, some of the strongest leaders I’ve met in construction are women. They’ve navigated challenges that would make some people walk away on day one, and they’ve built teams and projects that anyone would be proud of.

So, when I see comments dismissing their capability, yes, it makes me angry. Because it’s just wrong, and it’s holding our industry back.

The ‘On the Tools’ Argument

One of the biggest digs we hear is: “You can’t lead in construction if you’ve never been on the tools.”

Let’s get something straight, the trades are a vital part of the industry, and I respect anyone who does that work. But construction is bigger than the tools.

It’s about managing people, budgets, safety, timelines, relationships. It’s about making tough calls, solving problems, and keeping projects moving under pressure.

To say someone can’t lead unless they’ve done exactly the same job as every member of their team is short-sighted. By that logic, a project manager would need to be a qualified surveyor, joiner, engineer, and architect all in one. That’s not leadership, that’s just fantasy.

Why We Created Women in Leadership for Women in Construction

We didn’t launch this programme to “hand out” leadership roles to women. We launched it because we kept hearing the same stories:

“I’ve been promoted but I’ve had no leadership training.”

“I feel like I’m under the microscope all the time.”

“I’m overlooked because I don’t fit the traditional mould.”

The programme gives women the tools, skills, and confidence to lead effectively. And yes, we run leadership programmes for men too. But let’s be honest, the playing field isn’t level yet. That’s why this one exists.

The Ripple Effect

When women are supported in leadership roles, it’s not just them who benefit. The entire site or project runs better. Communication improves. Safety gets prioritised. More diverse perspectives lead to better solutions.

And the culture shifts. Bit by bit, site by site.

Deconstructing the Status Quo

After reading the sheer volume of biased comments, we knew we had to go further. That’s why we created Deconstructing the Status Quo, a programme designed to challenge outdated thinking and build leadership teams based on ability; not gender, or race, or background. It’s not about ticking boxes. It’s about creating a culture where talent can thrive, no matter who it belongs to.

My Message to You

If you’re a woman in construction, I want you to hear this from me directly: you belong here. Your skills, experience, and leadership matter.

If you’re a man in the industry, you have a role in this too. You can challenge bias when you see it. You can back the people who are best for the job, regardless of gender. And you can be part of making this industry stronger, fairer, and more respected.

I’m not writing this to make friends. I’m writing it because the industry I’ve spent my career in, and still love, needs to change.

The future of construction won’t be built on outdated bias. It’ll be built by the best leaders we’ve got. And that means giving everyone a fair shot to prove themselves.

If you’re ready to be part of that change, whether it’s through our Women in Leadership or Women in Management programmes, or our Deconstructing the Status Quo initiative, I’d love to talk.

Because enough is enough.

James Fleming
The Power Within Training
The Motivational Intelligence Company
james@tpwtd.com