Today, the CCQ is publishing the main observations regarding the presence of women on construction sites and the accomplishments of phases 1 and 2 of the PAEF.

Of particular note is that implementation of the two first phases of the program made it possible to increase both the number of women workers practising a trade or occupation in the construction industry and the number of companies hiring at least one woman, despite the existence of persistent obstacles. 

In 2021, the target of at least 3% women working on construction sites was reached. Women workers numbered 6,234, or 3.27% of the total workforce, an advance over their representation of 1.49% in 2015. Today, 15% of companies in the industry employ at least one woman; this figure stood at 8% when the program was adopted. 

Persistent obstacles for women 

Despite this acceleration in the presence of women in recent years, their proportion in the total workforce and their numbers remain low. Persistent obstacles, notably with regard to work climate, impede their progress. In fact, a higher proportion of women (21%) than men (15%) leave the industry after one year. Women workers are concentrated in certain trades and occupations, such as painter, resilient flooring layer, and carpenter-joiner, whereas few of the targets per trade or occupation have been reached.

In light of the report’s observations, the CCQ is continuing the work undertaken to identify, with key organizations, structural actions will make it possible to support deployment of phase 3 of the PAEF.

For more information, read the Bilan 2015-2021 du PAEF ((Programme d’accès à l’égalité des femmes dans l’industrie de la construction) in French only).