Abstract

Gender inclusion in the workplace refers to creating a work environment where every worker feels valued, respected, and supported, regardless of gender identity. Employees’ enthusiasm and dedication toward their work and the workplace, as well as how committed they become to the organization and its goals, are vital aspects of any establishment’s growth. The construction industry stands out as a major contributor in terms of any society’s social, economic, and environmental development. However, the male gender has dominated this sector, particularly in societies with highly conservative cultures and long-standing stereotypical gender roles prevalent in parts of India, Syria, and Nigeria. This study aims to assess the potential impact of gender-inclusive measures on employee engagement in construction firms, with the goal of understanding the potential relationship between workplace gender inclusion and employee engagement in the selected regions. The authors collected survey data on the organizational processes of three construction firms across three countries, representing India, Syria, and Nigeria, using a structured questionnaire. They used correlation analysis to measure the strength and direction of the relationship between the variables. The results of these statistical analyses provided valuable insights into the relationship between workplace gender inclusion and employee engagement in construction firms in the Asia, the Middle East, and Africa (AMEA). The study found a poor state of gender diversity, inclusion, and employee engagement in the construction sector across the three countries and recommended targeted interventions for Syria, India, and Nigeria, focusing on addressing underlying barriers to equal participation for women in the construction industry.