Amplifying female voices in this traditionally male-dominated field can help to break down longstanding barriers, writes Richard Steer, chair of Gleeds Worldwide
Last year, we published the very first Women in Construction in collaboration with Building magazine, showcasing the inspiring stories from some of the most remarkable female leaders in our sector.
The response we received was phenomenal, so I am thrilled to have been asked to support a second edition for 2025, featuring a host of equally impressive personalities.
Amplifying female voices as they forge their paths in this traditionally male-dominated field is one powerful way we can help break down longstanding barriers for others who still feel working in the built environment is simply not for them.
While the number of women working in our sector is slowly creeping upward, the path to gender parity is long and progress frustratingly slow. Changing the perception that all jobs in our sector come with standard-issue steel toe-cap boots, hard hats and a dose of misogyny will not be easy, but change it we must.
>> Download: Women in Construction 2025 report
In the following pages, we’ll hear the experiences of a fantastic group of women who are reshaping the industry on a global scale in a diverse array of roles – sustainability experts, architects, engineers, project managers and tradespeople.
We’ll learn how they rose to prominence, about the hurdles they’ve overcome along the way, and about their proudest moments in a field where they may once have struggled to achieve the success they so richly deserve.
We celebrate not only the individual successes of those featured here but also their collective impact in redefining what is possible
Throughout my own working life, I have been lucky enough to encounter some truly extraordinary female leaders whose resilience and determination have helped them accomplish great things despite operating in an often challenging space.
This collection of interviews further reinforces the deep respect I hold for all those who choose to pursue a career in an industry that, for too long, has failed to acknowledge their potential and closed doors that should have been held open.
These stories serve as a powerful celebration of diversity, inclusion and empowerment as well as a resounding call to action for the next generation of women and girls who may never have considered the construction sector as a professional home. Moreover, they give me renewed confidence that real progress continues to be made and that tomorrow promises more.
Once again, we celebrate not only the individual successes of those featured here but also their collective impact in redefining what is possible. I extend my thanks to each of them for sharing their personal journeys, lessons learnt and visions for the future. I hope they pave the way for many more change-makers just like them.
Richard Steer is the chair of Gleeds Worldwide and Building Commissioner
