Celebrating Women in Construction

Started by the National Association of Women in Construction in 1998, Women in Construction Week celebrates and promotes the role of women in the construction industry. This year’s theme, ‘Together we Rise’, celebrates the strength and knowledge of women and the vital role they play in shaping the future of the industry.

Why female representation in construction matters

The construction industry has long been male-dominated, but that’s changing—and for good reason. Increasing female representation isn’t just about equality; it’s about innovation, diversity of thought, and strengthening the industry as a whole. Women bring fresh perspectives to problem-solving, leadership, and project management, helping to drive efficiency and creativity. We see this firsthand with the workspaces we create – people-centric environments that cater to everyone’s needs, prioritising wellbeing, inclusivity, collaboration and sustainability.

Beyond the benefits to businesses, representation matters for the future of the industry. When young women see successful female engineers, project managers, and tradespeople, they recognize that construction is a career path for them too. Encouraging more women into the industry not only addresses the ongoing skills shortage but also helps create a more dynamic and inclusive workforce.

Women are under-represented in the construction industry

Despite the benefits that women bring to the field, women are grossly underrepresented. In Northern Ireland, women make up just 16% of those employed in the construction industry according to the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), this figure is lower still, for the rest of Ireland at just 9.3%.

At Calibro, over 50% of our workforce are women, with representation across all areas from finance to project management and design. We chatted with a few team members on the frontlines about their experience working in the industry.

What inspired you to pursue a career in office design and fitout?

Hannah (Interior Designer)
Growing up I was always creative and interested in architecture and interior design. This led me into my interior design degree during which we got to undertake a project focusing on workplace design. Delving into the research project really affirmed to me this was a road I wanted to pursue and also the one I thought I would find the most challenging. It has very much lived up to this as the industry continually evolves, it’s exciting to be a part of it. I count myself lucky to be able to work on an industry I’m so passionate about as I would never have made it as an accountant.

Cara (Project Manager)
Similar to Ruth, it’s something I fell into, It was coming round to picking what I wanted to do when finishing my time in school and I chose a number of very different options for University. Maths was always a strength of mine and with good results in my A level Maths I went down the path of Construction. I am extremely happy I have as no day has ever been the same since starting my career, love meeting new clients and delivering a product I am proud of at the end of each fitout. I have built a career in an industry which isn’t always accepting of women, and I am extremely proud of that.

Ruth (Site Manager)
This was something that I fell into by chance, I went to university and became a qualified teacher and learnt not long after that this wasn’t the career for me (should have listened to my dad and got a career in a trade). When looking for a new job, I found Calibro and haven’t looked back since.

Have you faced any challenges as a woman in this industry, and if so, how did/do you overcome them?

Hannah – Absolutely. Frequently, as a woman in construction, you will be the only woman in the room. It can be a challenge to be heard and women are frequently interrupted, talked over, talked down to or their opinions dismissed. I think the best way to overcome this is to maintain your integrity and stick to your guns. Remain vocal and stick up for yourself, that stubbornness wins out in the end. If you’re in an environment where these qualities are seen as difficult, then you’re in the wrong environment.

Cara – As a woman in this industry who has been predominantly site-based for ten years, I have faced a lot of challenges and still do. I’m used to often being the only woman onsite and have learnt to stand my own, make myself heard and to come into every situation prepared. Overcoming the challenges has not just been as an individual; it has taken companies, organisations and representation on site to start making a difference in the industry.

What advice would you give to other women considering a career in construction or design?

Hannah
• Learn to be assertive and make yourself heard. Understand that in what is a male dominated industry there is still a long way to go to ensuring we are on equal footing, and pay, with our male counterparts.
• Focus on yourself and your continual development. Be proactive in your learning and growing your skillset as only you can put that work in.
• Find your tribe. With the growing female workforce in construction, finding likeminded friends and colleagues is hugely important. I’ve learnt that wherever we are we likely face the same challenges and to have that community support is what keeps you sane during those most stressful periods. In my career to date I’ve had the pleasure of working with dozens of strong, capable women who empower and encourage each other. We do so without any form of jealousy or competition. Simply women supporting women.

Cara – To jump right in, be prepared for a challenge and ENJOY IT. If you have the drive and belief in yourself, you will make a huge impact to the industry. Keep pushing for inclusive working environments and find people and businesses that support you and your goals, I have found building relationships has been pivotal to my career progression.

Ruth – Don’t be afraid to ask questions and go for it! Believe in yourself and make it happen. Develop good relationships with your contractor network as they become allies onsite that you can trust and depend on if you ever need it.

What’s the most rewarding part of your role at Calibro?

Hannah – A happy client at the end of a project. You can spend the best part of a year working on a project with clients – designing, refining and executing on site. To see that early concept come to life as we near practical completion (PC) and to reaffirm we’ve hit the client brief is highly rewarding. Ultimately, the success of our client’s teams in their new workspace is our success.

Ruth – Observing what we can achieve as a team for our clients. Seeing clients move in on time and happy never fails to remind you it’s worth it.

Interested in pursuing a career in construction? We’re always on the lookout talented people. Drop us a line.