In technical work it is almost nonexistent, according to the body that represents the builders.
SANTO DOMINGO – In the Dominican Republic, women represent 50.7% of the economically active population, yet they only account for between 3% and 8% of the construction workforce. The majority of female architects and engineers in the sector hold managerial or administrative positions, while their professional participation on construction sites remains minimal, and their involvement in technical roles is almost nonexistent.
This is the view of the Dominican Association of Housing Builders and Promoters (ACOPROVI), which yesterday held the fourth meeting of "Women Who Build", in which the role of women in architecture, construction and real estate development in the Dominican Republic was highlighted.
The activity served as a platform to reflect on the challenges and opportunities to promote the participation of women in the construction industry, a sector traditionally led by men.
Annerys Meléndez. (EXTERNAL SOURCE).
Annerys Meléndez, president of Acoprovi, highlighted that in recent years there has been an increasing interest among women in entering traditionally male-dominated jobs in construction, a result of improved working conditions and the breaking of paradigms about female leadership.
However, she said that, despite women occupying important positions in various areas of the country, from academia to social settings, women's representation continues to face barriers that we must overcome.
The initiative, held in the context of International Women's Day, brought together more than 150 professionals and students from the construction and real estate sectors. Key topics explored included the impact of female leadership, innovation in design and urban planning, and strategies for strengthening women's participation in real estate and construction projects.
The meeting included the participation of Biviana Riveiro, executive director of the Export and Investment Center of the Dominican Republic (ProDominicana), who presented a motivational conference.
Also, international guest Nora Aristizábal, former director of the planning office of Bogotá, Colombia, architect and urban planner with extensive experience in urban planning, gave a lecture on the impact of female inclusion on sustainable development.
Members of Acoprovi during the activity. (EXTERNAL SOURCE).
Similarly, the panel included Marcelle Lama, Massiel Mejía, Faride Sarraff, Ana Contreras and Erminda Decena, who shared their experiences and perspectives on the role of women in the industry, progress and challenges.
Engineers Ashley Medina and Alejandra Marroc, along with architect Nahir Lora, shared their inspiring testimonies about their beginnings and their professional journey in the field of construction.
