Women’s Participation in the Construction Industry in Colombia: Two Generational Perspectives

Published: 2026-02-23

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This study aimed to analyze the participation of women in the construction sector in Colombia, comparing the experiences of professionals experienced in the guild with the perceptions of students of management of civil works and construction management programs. Methodologically, a qualitative approach was used with cross-sectional design not experimental, from two generational perspectives. The sample was determined with 20 experienced professional women and 20 young female students for a total of 40. The data was collected using an online form and then a content analysis was carried out by iterative coding. The codes were created from semantic and conceptual similarities. From a comprehensive examination of these codes, subsequently grouped by thematic affinities, three central categories emerged: Male tradition, wage and labour equity and female strengths. This process took place in two distinct phases: first with the sample of experienced professional women and then with the young student population. Then a systematic contrast was made to identify and describe similar perceptions and identify the main differences between the two groups.

Edward Yecid Torres-Nova, Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia-UNAD. Bogotá, Colombia

Doctor of Business Administration. Business Administrator.

Angela Yolima Camargo-Fonseca, Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia – UNAD. Bogotá, Colombia

PhD in Management. Civil Engineer.

Danna Catalina Ángel-Rubiano, Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia – UNAD. Bogotá, Colombia

Master's degree in Housing Architecture. Architect.
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