II. The construction sector

The construction sector makes significant contributions to the socio-economic development process in developing countries, employing a large proportion of a country's labour force and helping in the improvement or acquisition of skills. The sector also stimulates other sectors through economic multiplier effects and makes a significant contribution in terms of conserving and generating foreign exchange. While, in developing countries, construction activity is predominantly labour-intensive, attracting a large proportion of unskilled labour, including temporary and seasonal labour, and thus being potentially open to women, the sector also utilizes a broad range of technical, professional, administrative and management skills. Thus, in promoting women's participation in sectoral employment, representation of women at all ranks and levels in construction-sector jobs should be sought. This requires a process of social and attitudinal change, on the one hand, and genderaware educational and training programmes, on the other.