The gender pay gap is a persistent challenge that reflects how we, as a society, value the contributions of men and women in the workforce. In Australia’s Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, this disparity is particularly pronounced, with women significantly underrepresented in the field and often facing barriers to advancement.
As a proud member of the AEC community, I believe we must work together to understand the root causes of the gender pay gap and take meaningful action to create a more equitable and inclusive industry for all.
The Gender Pay Gap in Context
It’s important to recognize that the gender pay gap is a complex issue, influenced by a range of systemic factors. The gap often represents an average disparity across an entire organization or industry, rather than a direct comparison of pay for the same roles.
However, this doesn’t diminish the urgent need for change. In engineering, for example, women represent just 13% of the workforce and 16% of graduates, according to Engineers Australia. This underrepresentation in the talent pipeline contributes to a lack of women in senior, higher-paying roles – but it’s not the full story.
Women in AEC also face conscious and unconscious biases, lack of access to informal networks and sponsorship, and disproportionate caregiving responsibilities. Inflexible work arrangements and male-dominated cultures can further hinder their progression.
Driving Systemic Change
Tackling the gender pay gap requires a holistic, multi-pronged approach that addresses the underlying systemic barriers women face. This includes:
- Attracting and retaining women in AEC from an early age by challenging stereotypes, providing role models, and supporting STEM education initiatives.
- Fostering inclusive workplace cultures that value diversity, address bias, and provide mentoring, sponsorship, and equitable career development opportunities.
- Implementing progressive policies around flexible work, parental leave, and domestic and family violence support to promote work-life integration and equal sharing of caregiving responsibilities.
- Conducting regular pay audits and taking action to address any identified gaps.
- Transparently reporting on gender equality metrics and progress to drive accountability.

Strategies for AEC Firms
A recent Gender Pay Gap Employer Statement from a leading AEC firm offers valuable insights into how companies in the industry can advance equality. Some key initiatives include:
- Cultivating a culture of belonging that values and includes all employees
- Setting ambitious gender representation goals at all levels of the organisation
- Launching enhanced parental leave policies that support equal parenting responsibilities
- Providing targeted development, mentoring, and sponsorship opportunities for women
- Implementing flexible working policies to support work-life integration
- Conducting rigorous annual pay equity analyses and taking corrective action when disparities are identified
While this firm recognizes there is more work to be done, their proactive, multi-faceted approach offers a solid roadmap for others in the industry to follow.
The Power of Transparency
The recent release of organisation-specific gender pay gap data by WGEA marks an important step forward in creating accountability and driving change. Greater transparency allows us to move beyond surface-level figures to understand the nuanced factors shaping pay disparities in our organizations and industries.
Armed with this knowledge, we can develop targeted, evidence-based strategies to break down barriers, support women’s full participation and advancement, and foster a genuinely equal playing field.
A Shared Responsibility
Closing the gender pay gap is not the responsibility of women alone, nor can it be achieved by individual organisations acting in isolation. It requires a collective commitment from all of us – men and women, employers and employees, industry bodies and government – to dismantle the structural inequalities that hold women back.
As a leader in the AEC industry, I’m personally committed to being an ally and advocate for change. I’ve seen firsthand the incredible contributions that women make to our field, and I know that our industry’s future depends on fully leveraging all of our talented professionals.
By working together to challenge biases, remove barriers, and create equitable systems and cultures, we can build a stronger, more innovative, and more sustainable AEC industry for all. The time for action is now.
References
https://www.wgea.gov.au/the-gender-pay-gap
https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/news-and-media/2023/11/latest-engineering-statistics-released
https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/work/2024/03/10/gender-pay-gap-lessons
https://www.hays.com.au/salary-guide
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