At the second session of the Twelfth National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference this year, Li Binsheng, a member of the National Committee and former Secretary of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, spoke about the protection of construction workers’ rights, drawing media attention once again. For years, construction workers have been in the public eye, but few have noticed that the number of female construction workers has been steadily increasing. Why do women, who are physically weaker than men, choose to work in such demanding environments? What is their daily life like, and what inner struggles do they face?
Through interviews with female construction workers, we can gain insight into their experiences and provide valuable guidance for better protecting their rights. One woman, Zhou Jie, shared her story, which reflects the reality for thousands of others.
Zhou Jie starts her day at 6 a.m., working for over ten hours each day as a ladder operator on a construction site. She works in an elevator cabin that’s only 3 meters long and 1.5 meters wide, surrounded by metal sheets. In winter, it's freezing; in summer, it's unbearably hot. Despite the harsh conditions, she continues to work because there are few other options. She mentions that many people don’t understand why she stays, but she says, “If I don’t do this, what else can I do?â€
Eating and drinking are also major challenges. The food provided on-site is often spicy and not to her taste, and she sometimes brings her own meals. Water is scarce, and she often relies on her own supply. Health issues are common among female workers, with gastrointestinal problems and back pain being frequent. Yet, most of them cannot afford to take time off or seek medical help.
Wages are another big concern. She mentioned that even if she earns around 2,000 yuan per month, it’s hard to save much due to high living costs. Many sites don’t pay on time, and when they do, the boss may deduct money without explanation. Without contracts, workers have little legal protection.
Accidents are also a constant threat. She recalls seeing a female worker fall from five floors and suffer a severe injury. Such incidents happen regularly, but they’re often handled quietly on-site. Safety equipment is minimal, and workers are expected to buy their own gloves and masks.
Living conditions are equally difficult. Workers sleep in crowded dorms with multiple people sharing a small space. Bathing facilities are limited, and sanitation is poor. In some cases, they even have to use makeshift toilets. The environment is dirty, and pests like bed bugs are common.
Despite all these hardships, many female workers continue to work, driven by the need to support their families. Some have children they rarely see, while others worry about their aging parents. They live a life of constant movement, moving from one site to another, never staying in one place for long.
The reporter met several other female workers, including a young woman from Henan who had just joined the construction site. She said she didn’t enjoy the work, but she had no choice. Another worker, originally from Shandong, explained that her wages were similar to those in a factory, but she had to work longer hours.
Many of these women are unaware of their legal rights, and they often don’t know how to fight for better conditions. They live in a world where their voices are rarely heard, yet they endure everything with quiet strength.
As the number of female construction workers continues to rise, so do the challenges they face. While the industry offers employment opportunities, it also presents serious issues like wage theft, unsafe working conditions, and lack of social security. Their stories remind us of the hidden struggles behind the buildings we see every day.
May these women find better lives, more recognition, and greater support. Their resilience deserves more attention and care.
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