Should We Stop Saying “Women in Construction”?

Gosal: “There are many men who see and treat women as equals. These men accept their peers based on competence and skill and will continue to change the stereotype for how women in construction feel and, ultimately, are treated.”

SAN DIEGO—The more we use the term “women in construction,” the more we imply that women don’t belong in construction, but the presence and roles of women in this field are advancing—as will their influence, Bosa Development‘s director of legal Ashley Gosal tells GlobeSt.com. Gosal recently spoke on a panel presented by the San Diego County Bar Association titled, “Women in Construction: Insights and Experiences of Female General Counsel.” We caught up with her afterward to discuss the issues that women in construction are dealing with today and where their best opportunities lie.

GlobeSt.com: What are the main issues with which women in construction are dealing today? Gosal: Women are underrepresented in construction (which is the root of many of the “issues” women face in the industry). Fortunately, the actions of few are not representative of the industry as a whole, and there are many men who see and treat women as equals. These men accept their peers based on competence and skill and will continue to change the stereotype for how women in construction feel and, ultimately, are treated.