Building on equal terms: a pilot project for gender equality in Chile's construction sector

Santiago, 13 January 2025 - In a sector historically dominated by men, the Social Foundation of the Chilean Chamber of Construction (CChC), with the support of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), is implementing the pilot project "Building on Equal Terms", which aims to promote gender equality and open up new opportunities for women in the construction industry.

The initiative, based on a study carried out by the Fundación Ronda in 2023, aims to identify and reduce gender bias in the sector. This project represents a concrete effort to move towards a more inclusive and equitable industry, in line with the commitment of the CChC Women's Commission. As well as strengthening the role of women already in the sector, the Building on Equal terms project aims to attract and train new female workers. It provides them with the tools they need to integrate and develop in a safe, inclusive and respectful working environment. Through training and awareness-raising activities, the aim is to break down historical barriers and ensure that women find a space in construction that is conducive to their professional and personal development.

© ILO

© ILO

During the implementation of 2024, 30 companies from different regions were involved in actions such as

• 45 discussions on values in Santiago and other parts of the country.
• 5 social performances to reflect on gender stereotypes.
• 973 social events to support female workers.
• 33 enrolments in specialised training courses.
• 2 management workshops and 1 seminar for companies in the sector.

The results so far are promising and have had a significant impact on both the workers and the companies involved. In the future, the project will be replicated in 2025 with the aim of extending its coverage and continuing to promote gender equality in the construction sector.

This initiative represents an important step towards the cultural and structural transformation of a sector that is key to the country's development, demonstrating that gender equality is not only a right, but also an opportunity to build a more inclusive and sustainable society.

© ILO

© ILO