Angelica Donati discussed key issues in the building and construction sector in two interviews with Il Sole 24 Ore and Il Giorno.
Angelica Donati in Il Sole 24 Ore
“The future of construction depends on two major areas: innovation and equality. The construction sector is undergoing a transformation: we are innovating and specializing, even on construction sites, and no longer distinguishing between genders.
A process of democratization is underway, but there is still a huge cultural barrier: people continue to think that construction is a job for men, when this is not the case. We need a cultural revolution, in schools and in the media, to show that ours is a modern, technological sector, with solid contracts and continuous training.
We need motivated young people, and guidance and training must become priorities for companies. We must be aware that Italy has one of the worst female employment rates in Europe: without real welfare, women will continue to have to choose between work and family.”
Angelica Donati in Il Giorno
Building means designing the future, giving concrete form to the cities in which we will live.
In a rapidly changing world, the construction sector will play a key role, especially in terms of sustainability and urban regeneration. We need to imagine a new model of housing: flexible, sustainable, inclusive.
We also need to restore dignity to a profession that has been considered ‘old’, tiring, and masculine for too long. The biggest challenge is the skills shortage: there is a lack of qualified personnel at all levels, both technical and manual.
We entrepreneurs know that the future must be built now, with an eye to tomorrow. In Italy, 27% of homes are empty or underutilized, while many young people are unable to find affordable housing in university towns or large cities.
