Women in Building Surveying: Challenges and Contributions Towards a Sustainable Future

Abstract

The construction and built environment sectors have traditionally been male-dominated. Based on data from February 2022, women represented only 18% of RICS then 139,000 international professionals across 23 pathways. Similarly, in Malaysia, the situation mirrors that abroad, with women’s participation in the profession remaining low, although this number is gradually increasing. These women bring fresh perspectives, inclusive leadership styles, and a strong commitment to sustainability. Their expertise in building maintenance, safety, and life-cycle management makes them valuable contributors to national sustainability goals. Despite their capabilities, women in this profession continue to face various challenges, such as limited access to mentorship, gender biases, and underrepresentation in decisionmaking positions. Additionally, the building surveying profession itself faces broader concerns, including a lack of legal recognition, slow digital adoption, and low public awareness, which further hinder women’s advancement. Therefore, this paper examines the key challenges faced by women in the Malaysian building surveying field, focusing on issues of career progression, visibility, and participation in sustainabilitydriven roles. By addressing these gaps, Malaysia’s construction industry can move towards a more diverse, innovative, and sustainable future, where women building surveyors are empowered to lead and thrive.