Only 12 per cent of those in construction were female at that point. I worked on small projects where everyone had to understand everyone’s job and cover for each other which made for a great learning environment where there was more rivalry between engineers and surveyors than between men and women. I also had great bosses, mentors and sponsors during my early years, who were good advocates for me. We should reflect on that - it’s just as important to promote others as ourselves. "I also had great bosses, mentors and sponsors during my early years, who were good advocates for me. We should reflect on that - it’s just as important to promote others as ourselves." After reaching the role of commercial director, I moved into an operational role to gain experience before joining Skanska back in a commercial role, attracted by its values-based approach and opportunities in operational roles. I then completed a masters degree. By this time ethics in business had become far more prominent, but still only 15% of the construction industry was female. In 2006 I was appointed chair of Women in Construction. It was there that I learned never to judge others by your own experience. It was an opportunity to talk to lots of different women and learn about their experiences, some of which were really difficult. In 2012, I achieved my dream of running a business when I became a managing director and in 2017 I was appointed executive vice president, my current role. The relationship between diversity and inclusion and social responsibility has become more and more important throughout this entire time. It’s become evident that it’s not just important for women trying to make it in construction, but for the industry itself. This was highlighted when I visited the Chelsea Flower Show one year and found the mirrors in the toilet set too high, so no-one below six foot could
“Today, women make up 20% of the construction industry – which is an 8% rise over the last 30 years, and at this rate it will take 112 years to get to parity. We are moving in the right direction, but we need to move much, much faster. ” use them properly. It struck me that the man who had likely hung these mirrors did not represent the end users – and it made me think, how can we create buildings that serve everyone effectively if only 50% of the population are represented in its development? Diversity, with inclusion, is a powerful thing. It brings mixed thinking and different perspectives and this is more important than ever as we enter an age of modernisation and digitalisation and face a skills shortage that will only be magnified by the effects of Brexit. Today, women make up 20% of the construction industry – which is an 8% rise over the last 30 years, and at this rate it will take 112 years to get to parity. We are moving in the right direction, but we need to move much,
much faster. We need to make our industry more attractive to women, but we also need to inspire the next generation – by ensuring that primary school children understand that STEM subjects are an option they can explore. We need to build inclusive working environments that people of all backgrounds are attracted to join and want to stay in, and be strong, positive role models. So my message to anyone in the industry wondering what they can do to help achieve this is: don’t be shy. Think about how others see you and how you can leave your legacy. Feminism isn’t just for women and it’s not just senior figures who can make a difference – what can you do to help lead change?
THE EUROPEAN WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING AWARDS >> MAY 2018
7