International Women's Day: A craftswoman mobilized to feminize the construction industry

Batiwomen, a renovation and general masonry company, clearly states its ambition in its name: women are builders too! The company currently employs four people, regularly takes on interns, and works with a network of tradespeople (painters, tilers, electricians, etc.). "I call my team my family," says Gabriella. Her goal: to build mixed teams, convinced that complementarity is a strength on construction sites. "I'm not focused on strict equality, but on fairness. When you identify the added value of each person, women and men complement each other," explains the craftswoman.

Taking concrete action for the integration of women

The businesswoman's commitment to women is nothing new. She notably created an all-female football team at a time when it was a real challenge. "I wasn't the best player, but I was the best captain," she says. A formative experience: uniting, coaching, paving the way. Entering the construction industry stems from the same logic for her: "I wanted to change mindsets and offer a role model. We are all inspiring women, but we don't always realize it," adds Gabriella.

Immersive internships on construction sites, conferences, roundtables, a strong social media presence… the craftswoman's activities are multiplying. "The more we show the way, the more natural it becomes for a young woman to consider these professions," she asserts. The business owner supports the FFB Grand Paris Ile-de-France (French Building Federation) by giving presentations in schools, at career fairs, and to France Travail (French employment agency) and local employment centers. For her, "it's by talking, by showing examples, that we change the image of our professions."

Beyond its work in the construction industry, Batiwomen is committed to a community-based mission aimed at changing attitudes and opening the sector to women. The association offers training programs designed to promote women's integration into the construction industry and, more broadly, into the workforce.

The Construction Industry: Careers of the Future Accessible to Women

In a sector that is constantly recruiting and innovating to improve working conditions, construction jobs offer real opportunities. "These are jobs of the future, technical, practical, and rewarding. And, yes, it's stylish for a woman to be a tiler, bricklayer, or electrician," concludes Gabriella.

Increasing the number of women in the construction industry is crucial for attractiveness, skills development, and collective performance. On International Women's Day, March 8th, the FFB Grand Paris Ile-de-France (French Building Federation - Greater Paris Ile-de-France region) reiterates that gender diversity is not an option but a necessity to meet the sector's needs and bring about lasting changes in attitudes. In the Ile-de-France region, 45.000 women already work in construction, representing 13% of the workforce.