Breaking Barriers – NICMAR University launches WIC-Forum to Encourage Gender Diversity

Women in Construction Forum (WIC-Forum) is a strategic initiative by NICMAR University marked on the International Women’s Day 2023

NICMAR had recorded 19% women students enrolled in 2022

NICMAR University, one of India’s leading education institutions offering courses in the field of management and related areas, has launched a new initiative, Women in Construction Forum (WIC India), a community that aims to promote gender equality in the infrastructure and construction sector. The WIC-Forum aims to inspire more women to join the construction industry and advance to leadership positions in the area of civil engineering and allied professions.

“NICMAR aims to create leaders who would promote the expansion and improvement of India’s infrastructure industry. However, we cannot accomplish this aim without tackling the under-representation of women in this sector. We must provide required resources, knowledge and opportunity to increase the number of women working in this industry. Thus, we are launching the Women in Construction Forum (WIC-Forum) to encourage and empower the women youth to consider careers in Construction Industry and contribute to the development of India, shoulder to shoulder along with the men.”

Despite making significant progress in recent years, women in the construction sector are underrepresented, especially in senior positions. According to a recent report dated Jan 2023 – India has only 2% of female executives in the construction industry compared to the UK’s 14% and the US’ 7%. Only 1% to 2% of women hold top management positions in this sector.

Unconscious gender bias, a lack of adequate training, and negative perceptions of women working in the construction business are just a few of the factors that contribute to this drastic gender gap. The issue of gender diversity in the industry is greatly impacted by the lack of knowledge among women working in the construction industry. This is due to the sector’s failure to alleviate outdated beliefs about women’s potential and convey the various job options available to them.

Moreover, looking at the downside and why there is a need to focus on this topic today is probably in the past women may be discouraged from entering the construction sector since it is frequently viewed as aggressive and intimidating. In addition, some of the jobs in the construction sector need physical strength, which is seen to be more appropriate for males.

The Women in Construction Forum (WIC-Forum), on the other hand, attempts to bridge the gender gap by providing a place for women to connect, share their experiences and knowledge, and get access to opportunities for professional progress.

The Objective of Women in Construction Forum (WIC-Forum) will be to focus on creating an interactive knowledge sharing hub, a platform for discussions and debates, a community to conduct / post research and surveys, seek support with their projects and a place where career opportunities for women in the construction and infrastructure development industry can be showcased.

“We think that by encouraging gender diversity in the construction industry, we may not only increase opportunities for women, bring innovation, creativity and improve the standard of infrastructure development in India. To create a more inclusive and prosperous future for India, we are thrilled to announce the Women in Construction Forum and look forward to collaborating with women in this sector.”