In our 5th feature of Women in Construction, Statia Breen talks about women fostering an innovative, creative, and inclusive environment in the construction field.
Influenza
Women exert a growing influence on the construction industry through increased participation, leadership roles, and advocacy for diversity and inclusion. As more women pursue careers in construction-related fields, they are breaking barriers and taking on positions as project managers, architects, engineers, and executives.
Their presence brings fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the industry and fosters a more inclusive and supportive environment. Through networking, mentorship, and educational initiatives, women actively promote opportunities for other females to enter and thrive in what has traditionally been male dominated. As a result, women are playing a vital role in shaping the construction industry’s future, driving progress, and contributing to its continued growth and success.
Gender Equality
Statia believes that while as an industry wants to think that all are embracing equality in the industry, we still have a way to go. Rather than focusing on % of women in the workforce, one should look to creating environments where women, and men also for that matter, can succeed.
Agile working methods must be embraced to attract women to the job market. There is a need to create more awareness around STEM subjects in early education to create a platform for more women in the construction industry. One also needs to be very aware of our unconscious bias towards roles in the industry,
Futuristic Scope
While everyone is focused on women in the industry, Statia believes that the work that one believes that needs to be done to attract women into the industry needs to be done to attract young people in general into it. There’s a real shortage of fresh graduates in our industry, resulting in a war for talent – this is what Statia believes will drive the industry to adopt more agile and innovative ways for delivering our project, which ultimately will create an environment that makes it more attractive to women.
