Infrastructure Development and Female Labor Force Participation in Skilled Trades: Unlocking Growth in Data Center Construction and Maintenance

The global data center industry, a cornerstone of the digital economy, is undergoing a transformative phase driven by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the demand for energy-efficient infrastructure. As of 2025, this sector is projected to reach a $200 billion valuation, with infrastructure investments surging to meet the needs of hyperscalers and edge computingData Center Sustainability & ESG: Trends for 2025^[1]. However, a critical challenge persists: the underrepresentation of women in skilled trades within data center construction and maintenance. While women comprise 25% of the broader data center workforceDiversity, Equity, And Inclusion In The Data Center Industry Statistics^[2], their participation in technical and construction roles remains dismally low—only 4% in construction and maintenance occupationsWomen in Construction Reach Highest Share in Two Decades^[3]. This gap not only limits the industry's access to talent but also hinders innovation and operational resilience. For investors, addressing this disparity presents a unique opportunity to align long-term growth with social impact.

The Gender Gap in Skilled Trades: A Barrier to Growth

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that women's labor force participation in construction and maintenance roles has stagnated at 4% despite overall gains in female workforce participationWomen in Construction Reach Highest Share in Two Decades^[3]. This underrepresentation is particularly acute in data center infrastructure, where skilled labor shortages are acute. The Uptime Institute's 2024 Global Data Center Survey found that 80% of data center teams consist of 10% or fewer women, with 20% reporting no female staff at allIWD 2025: Defining the Next Chapter of Women in Technology^[4]. Such imbalances are not merely a social issue but a structural constraint on the industry's ability to scale sustainably.

The root causes are multifaceted. Cultural norms, lack of mentorship, and limited access to training programs have historically excluded women from STEM and construction fields. However, recent initiatives are beginning to shift this dynamic. For example, Kyndryl, a leading IT services company, has partnered with Girl Security and New York public schools to mentor young girls in technology careersRoundtable: Industry Making Progress on Diversity^[5]. Similarly, Ericsson UK&I is embedding STEM education into school curricula to inspire early interest in engineeringRoundtable: Industry Making Progress on Diversity^[5]. These efforts, while nascent, signal a growing recognition that diversity in technical roles enhances problem-solving and innovation—factors critical to the data center industry's future.

ESG and Gender Lens Investing: A Convergence of Priorities

The integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into infrastructure development is reshaping investment strategies. By 2025, ESG funds have amassed $4.59 billion in assets, with a significant portion allocated to gender-lens investing (GLI)ESG Investing, July 2025 | Investment Company Institute^[6]. GLI, which prioritizes investments for, in, and by women, is gaining traction as a tool to address systemic inequities. According to the GIIN's 2024 Impact Investor Survey, 27% of impact investors allocate 30% or more of their assets to enterprises majority-owned or led by women, citing strong financial and social returnsIn Focus: Gender and Impact Investing in 2024^[7].

In the data center sector, this convergence of ESG and gender equity is evident in projects like Keppel Corporation's $580 million private equity fund, which targets hyperscale data center infrastructure with a focus on carbon-neutral design and renewable energy integrationKeppel’s $580M Hyperscale Data Center Fund^[8]. While the fund does not explicitly prioritize gender diversity, its alignment with global sustainability goals creates a framework for integrating DEI initiatives. For instance, the Gender PPP toolkit, developed by the World Bank and PPIAF, provides a structured approach to embedding gender considerations into infrastructure projects, ensuring inclusive employment opportunities and equitable outcomesGender PPP Toolkit: Bridging the Gender Gap in Infrastructure^[9].

Investment Opportunities: Bridging the Gap

For investors, the intersection of data center infrastructure and gender diversity offers a dual opportunity: financial returns and social impact. Key areas to consider include:

1. Gender-Lens Impact Funds: These funds, such as those highlighted by The Impact Investor, target women-led ventures in technology and infrastructure13 Best Gender Equality Funds of 2025 - The Impact Investor^[10]. By directing capital to startups and SMEs led by women in data center innovation, investors can drive both economic growth and gender equity.

2. Sustainable Infrastructure Funds: Funds like Keppel's hyperscale data center fundKeppel’s $580M Hyperscale Data Center Fund^[8] and Crusoe's $600 million clean data center initiativeSustainable Data Centers 2025 Investment Trends^[11] are pioneering energy-efficient solutions. Integrating gender diversity metrics into these projects—such as requiring a minimum percentage of female hires or leadership roles—could amplify their social impact.

3. Corporate DEI Programs: Companies like BT and Amdocs are investing in mentorship and training programs to close the gender gap in technical rolesRoundtable: Industry Making Progress on Diversity^[5]. Supporting these initiatives through ESG-aligned investments can create scalable models for industry-wide change.

4. Policy-Driven Partnerships: Governments and multilateral institutions are increasingly adopting tools like the Gender PPP toolkitGender PPP Toolkit: Bridging the Gender Gap in Infrastructure^[9] to ensure gender-responsive infrastructure. Investors can leverage these frameworks to identify projects with strong DEI commitments.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

While progress is evident, challenges remain. Political pressures have led some companies, including IBM and Google, to roll back race- and gender-focused DEI policiesRoundtable: Industry Making Progress on Diversity^[5]. Additionally, the lack of granular data on female participation in data center construction complicates targeted interventions. However, the industry's growing emphasis on ESG reporting and transparency—driven by investor demand—creates an opportunity to standardize gender diversity metrics.

For investors, the key lies in patience and persistence. Closing the gender gap in skilled trades will take years, but the long-term benefits—enhanced innovation, improved retention, and stronger ESG performance—are compelling. As the data center industry evolves, those who prioritize both sustainability and inclusivity will not only future-proof their portfolios but also contribute to a more equitable digital economy.