Unraveling the Driving Factors behind the Exodus of Female Construction Professionals from the Construction Industry

The construction industry, accounting for 9% of Tanzania's workforce and boasting a growth rate of 7.9% in 2019, remains predominantly male-dominated despite its vital economic role. Within this sector, professionals encounter various barriers that impade them to achieve a healthy work-life balance, a challenge exacerbated for women who bear additional responsibilities for family care. Consequently, many women opt to exist the industry due to the inherent challenges posed by the nature of construction work. This study delves into the factors driving female construction professionals to exist the construction industry and provides recommendations to foster their retention within the industry workforce. A total of 20 factors were identified from literature, and data was then collected from 43 construction practitioners using structured questionnaire, and 10 semi-structured interviews. Quantitative analyses employed descriptive (central tendency) and inferential statistics (one-sample t-test), while directed content analysis was used for qualitative data. From the findings, the most significant factors encompased work-life balance, gender stereotypes and discrimination, prolonged working hours, work-related stress, and the prevalence of male-dominated work environments. Advocated solutions included achieving gender balance, enhancing job training, refining work-life balance, facilitating role models and mentors, and implementing tailored carrier development programs for women.