Does Sexual Harassment Exist in Construction?
Silent Strength: My Journey Through Adversity to Authenticity
Maybe a dumb question? Well, if I am allowed to speak my mind - and I will - YES - its a dumb question. Of course there is sexual harassment in Construction BUT there is sexual harassment in a lot of different industries - it is NOT ACCEPTABLE anywhere. You have a Mom, Sister, Wife, Girlfriend, or Daughter - why is it so hard to behave? It seems the masculine stimuli in the construction industry just adds to the testosterone in the air taking it to new levels of animalistic behavior. However, sometimes it sneaks up on you and that is what I want to talk about today. My name is Andy, and I had an unconventional start to my project management career. I used to be a stay at home mom but after divorce I needed a decent paying job and found a temp agency willing to provide some administrative training. I scored a job in a site trailer answering phones and filing paperwork and have loved construction ever since. I've been able to climbed the ladder leaning on the experience of great mentors along the way, taking some side classes with Construction Management Online . But today, I want to share a story not about blueprints and budgets, but about a personal challenge I faced – one that shaped me into the leader I am today.
A Mentor’s Mixed Signals
Early in my career, I worked for a well-known construction firm. I was enthusiastic, eager to prove myself, and determined to succeed in a field dominated by men. My boss, let’s call him “Dave,” was a seasoned professional with a reputation for delivering projects on time and under budget. He became my mentor, teaching me the intricacies of project management, negotiation tactics, and the importance of teamwork.
I admired Dave for his knowledge and experience, and I worked hard to earn his respect. However, as time passed, I began to notice subtle changes in his behavior. His compliments started to feel less professional and more personal. I brushed it off, convincing myself that I was overreacting. After all, he was my boss, and I didn’t want to jeopardize my career by causing a scene over what might have been harmless comments.
The Night That Changed Everything
One evening, after a long day on-site, Dave invited me to dinner to discuss an upcoming project. I agreed, thinking it would be a great opportunity to learn more from him. But as the night progressed, his intentions became clear. He made an inappropriate advance, and I was caught off guard, unsure of how to respond. My mind raced with thoughts of my career, my reputation, and the potential fallout of rejecting my boss.
In that moment, I chose silence. I awkwardly laughed it off and made an excuse to leave. The drive home was a blur of emotions – anger, shame, and confusion. I knew what had happened was wrong, but I was paralyzed by fear. Fear of not being believed, fear of being labeled as difficult, and fear of losing everything I had worked so hard to achieve.
Burying the Pain
For years, I buried that incident deep within me, trying to forget it ever happened. I focused on my work, pushing myself harder to prove my worth. But the memory lingered, casting a shadow over my accomplishments. I regretted not standing up for myself, not confronting Dave, and not demanding the respect I deserved.
Building a Company of Integrity
Fast forward to today, and I still regret but understand my actions that day and work towards creating an environment where other women can feel safe in the Construction Industry. Understanding our rights, having a strong conviction to myself and the quality of work I produce knowing my performance will be missed or desired by any other employer if I were to be released for "Speaking my mind". I am not what one might be considered an activist or feminist, but I am passionate about ensuring that women should feel as safe in their workspace as men do.
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Lessons Learned
Looking back, I realize that my silence was not a sign of weakness, but a moment of survival. It was a choice made in a difficult situation, and while I regret not speaking up, I understand why I didn’t. Today, I use my experience to advocate for a safer, more inclusive workplace. I encourage open conversations about respect and boundaries, and I mentor young professionals, especially women, to stand up for themselves.
From Pain to Power
My journey taught me that our experiences, even the painful ones, shape who we are. They teach us resilience, empathy, and the importance of creating positive change. If you find yourself in a similar situation, know that your voice matters. Speak up when you can, but don’t be too hard on yourself if you can’t. Each of us navigates these challenges in our own way, and there is no right or wrong way to cope.
In the end, it’s not just about the battles we fight, but how we rise after them. I didn’t confront Dave, but I made sure choices I make today align with who I am and who I want to be. And for that, I am proud. My silence once felt like defeat, but it ultimately led to a future where my voice, and the voices of my team, are heard and valued.
If you are facing sexual harassment on your jobsite or within your company, find an outside resource first before revealing your issue to internal review. Document everything, speed is of the essence and prepare yourself for the battle. Let me, on behalf of the Construction Industry, express my sorrow that you are having to go through this - it is not like this throughout the entire industry and you will find great companies, great people, and better opportunities in your future endeavors!
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