Constructing Inclusivity: Strategies for Promoting Gender Equality in Developing Countries’ Construction Sector

The United Nations has included the importance of gender equality in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal No. 5. Malaysia and other developing countries have long taken steps to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. Nevertheless, gender discrimination and gender inequality persist, especially in the construction industry. The lack of representation of women in the construction industry of developing countries appears to be a major challenge hindering the industry’s progress towards achieving gender equality. The objectives of this research were to (1) identify the factors that perpetuate gender inequality in the Malaysian construction industry and (2) recommend strategies that can be adopted to improve work policies in Malaysia’s construction industry to promote gender equality. Data were collected from companies registered with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) holding G7 status in Kuala Lumpur. Cluster sampling technique and a quantitative method were used in this research. All the data collected were analysed using descriptive analysis with the assistance of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The research findings revealed that the main factors that perpetuate gender inequality in the Malaysian construction industry are gender stereotypes and perceptions. This research recommends improving work-life balance and implementing supportive policies as the main strategies to promote gender equality and improve work policies in Malaysia’s construction industry. This research has brought a new dimension to the field of gender equality by identifying practical strategies that can be practised by stakeholders of the construction industry in Malaysia and other developing countries.