Colombia's construction tool market reshaped by rising female workforce

The share of women in Colombia’s construction and technical trades has risen sharply, increasing from about 100,000 in 2020 to roughly 130,000 today – a near‑30 % growth in six years. In Bogotá, women now account for 19 % of construction workers, up from a historically male‑dominated sector.

This demographic shift is prompting tool manufacturers to redesign products for greater ergonomics, lighter weight, balanced centre of gravity and smaller grips. Colombian brand Ranger Tools, with more than 25 years in the market, has expanded its portfolio to include electric and manual tools and protective equipment built to these new standards. As one industry representative said, “During many years the industry developed tools for an average user that no longer represents the whole market. The growth of women in construction is leading us to design better products.”

The trend offers a strategic opportunity for the hardware sector, which contributes about 2.2 %–2.5 % of Colombia’s GDP, as demand rises for tools that suit a more diverse workforce.