IMPACTMaking an

Women now comprise 14 per cent of the building and construction industry, a sector renowned for being male-dominated

I look forward to the day that being a woman in this industry is the norm.

Change is happening as we speak. From architects and engineers to construction workers and project managers, women now comprise 14 per cent of the building and construction industry, a sector renowned for being male-dominated.

Women are not only paving the way for future generations, but they are also bringing fresh perspectives to the industry. And with their hard work and dedication, they are proving that gender is no barrier to success.

At Dahlsens, we are extremely fortunate to have a growing number of women in our team. You’ll find them supporting customers in trade stores, driving forklifts in the timber yard, on the road visiting building sites and driving progress in our leadership team. As valued team members, we celebrate their contributions.

But it’s not just at Dahlsens where women are making an impact. Right across the industry, females are at the frontier. Dahlsens sat down with an incredible bunch of women to hear about their experiences and share their stories.

What attracted you to the building industry?

Kersten: My family. My grandfather owned a sawmill and timber yard and was a logging contractor. He was my idol.

Georgia: I just like being outdoors, really. Originally, I was doing a carpentry apprenticeship.

Liz: My dad was a builder, so it’s in my blood. I go to work and I love what I do. I’m very lucky.

Fiona: I’ve always been interested in the regulatory environment and also the tangible element of the building industry, of seeing an end product –creating a home – and a safe haven for everyone to go to at the end of the day. It’s just a wonderful thing to be involved with.

Have you faced any challenges as a female in a largely male-dominated industry?

Kirsty: It took a little bit of time to convince older clientele that I was just as capable as male colleagues with things like product knowledge. I still face that sometimes today –older generations going towards the guys in the store.

Jacinta: I think every job will have its challenges but if you love your job you will find a way to overcome your challenges.

Fiona: For me, the challenges I see are in resolving the perceptions that you can’t do a certain role because you are female. Whilst I’ve had a great experience, I’m aware that many women might not, and that’s why I’m passionate about highlighting to women that there is something for everyone in building –so many exciting roles and jobs to do.

Do you see females being treated differently in your workplace?

Kersten: The change in our industry over my three plus decades has been huge. In the early days, quite often I was the only woman at the table and yes, it was hard to be heard.

Rosie: Yes, slightly, but I see the men in the industry trying to protect the women, wanting to ensure that we are OK.