Developing a Holistic Framework for Advancing Wellbeing of Professional Women in Construction Industry

PhD Candidate: Ms Prakriti Pokhrel

Supervisory Panel

Abstract

The construction industry, characterised by its macho work environment, is notorious for its gender imbalance and reluctance to change. The female workforce within the industry encounters distinct challenges that adversely affect the wellbeing of women. Several research studies on the mental health and wellbeing of construction workers help improve the industry, but women are often marginalised in such research, as they predominantly include male participants. Women, however, face different stressors, triggers, and coping mechanisms for their mental health and wellbeing compared to men. Current approaches primarily address wellbeing concerns either at the individual level or, infrequently, through organisational and institutional/industry interventions. Studies suggest that individual-based approaches to wellbeing alone are not effective in mitigating the cultural hazards of the industry. This research advocates for integrated involvement of all three tiers (individual, organisational, and institutional) on a common platform that enhances better communication and information dissemination. This research aims to identify workplace wellbeing hazards, suggest preventive and intervention strategies, and ultimately develop a management framework incorporating the whole industry to enhance the wellbeing of women in the construction industry. Additionally, a comparative study will be conducted to compare the wellbeing of women in the context of developed and developing nations. Using qualitative and quantitative approaches, this research aims to identify wellbeing issues, propose suitable primary prevention strategies at each hierarchical level, and ultimately enhance the wellbeing of women in the construction industry.

Sources of Funding

Australian Government RTP (Research Training Program) Stipend Scholarship

Biography

Prakriti Pokhrel is a Civil Engineer who has spent six years working in the field of Transport Engineering under the Department of Roads in Nepal. Her primary areas of work included the planning and construction of Asphalt Concrete Pavement, and the design and construction of bridges. She also served as the Project Coordinator for the World-Bank-funded ACCESS project during the procurement phase, which piqued her interest in public procurement. Since completing her bachelor's degree, she has been engaged in both on-site and off-site projects. These experiences have significantly shaped her professional identity. Her interest in academia was sparked by a noticeable gap between the industry and academic world in her country. Her experiences exposed her to numerous real-life on-site practical issues, solutions, and a wealth of data that were largely undocumented and often forgotten over time. Through her PhD journey, she expects to learn the ABCs of research and ultimately aims to bring attention to on-site work, culture, and human issues in the academic world.

Education

• Master’s in Construction Management, Pokhara University, Nepal
• Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Nepal

Research Interests

• Mental health and wellbeing
• Public procurement
• Construction and project management
• Gender studies

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