Making their mark: the women pushing boundaries in the built environment

For a second year, we have compiled the stories of 12 inspiring women who are blazing a trail through their work in construction and the wider built environment.

International Women’s Day has become a focal point for many businesses to reflect on their contribution to women’s progress in the workplace, and this year the event’s central message is that we all need to do more to accelerate change.

>> Download: Women in Construction 2025 report

Women can and are doing amazing work in this industry, and have career opportunities that were just not possible in previous generations. But we still do not have a level playing field: at a wider societal level the latest estimate is that on our current trajectory it will take till 2158 to reach full gender parity, according to the World Economic Forum.

The good news is that we can take action that will make a difference. And one simple way to do that is to learn about what works. If we can understand what helps women in the workplace, more people can be empowered to succeed.

These women credit mentors, family and supportive colleagues for advancing their careers – and now they are finding ways to lift others up, which in turn renews their own sense of purpose

I have learnt something from all of these interviews: each one is a window into the lives of talented and determined professionals who have encountered challenges at various points in their careers and navigated their way through.

These women come from very different backgrounds, working in Africa, Asia, Oceania, Europe, North America and South America for companies that range from large multinationals to start-ups. Their technical expertise varies greatly too, from trade skills and project management to architecture and environmental consultancy. They show that women can do it all.

We asked each of our interviewees if she sees herself as a role model for other women; some absolutely do, while others are a bit more ambivalent about the label. I can understand that it might feel like an additional burden: not only do you have to be brilliant at your day job but you also have to go out there and inspire others.

But that is exactly what they are doing, whether they intend to or not. These women credit mentors, family and supportive colleagues for advancing their careers – and now they are finding ways to lift others up, which in turn renews their own sense of purpose.

I’m proud to be able to showcase these leading women’s stories – making women in the industry visible can help us all make positive progress faster.

Chloë McCulloch is the editorial director at Building