Thank you

to this inspiring bunch of women for sharing your experiences in the building industry. There are many more of you out there, may you continue to make an impact!

Georgia: Not here, no. But when I was on the building site, and I had to lift something, the boys would ask, “can you actually lift that?”. But in the end, once they get to know your abilities, they’re fine.

Jacinta: Slightly. Some people will doubt you, but that's where you have to prove them wrong. It won't always be easy, but it's worth it.

How can women be supported to succeed in our industry?

Kersten: Communication is the key to succeeding in any role, no matter the gender. I encourage everyone to find someone professionally they can bounce ideas off.

Rosie: Education, knowledge, training and exposure.

Georgia: Just to be backed. Give us a go. Don’t tell us we can’t do it when we actually can.

What strengths and skills do women bring to our industry?

Kirsty: Diversity. Women can look at things differently, have different ideas and ways to approach things.

Liz: I think we naturally have more empathy. I like to think I know my clients pretty well and I listen to what’s going on with them and the challenges they’re facing.

Jacinta: I think women bring a lot to the design aspect of the industry, along with organisation, team leadership and empathy.

You're an inspirational female in the building industry. Have you drawn inspiration from any other women, in person or from afar?

Kirsty: My mum. She’s in the motor industry, which is also maledominated. To see how she thrives in that male-dominated industry is an inspiration.

Rosie: Within the Dahlsens group, our female account manager, Rachael Holloway from Bayswater. She inspires me. She is a working mum, successful in her career and her knowledge and ability to be agile/ fluid in this industry should be commended.

What is your ideal future for women in building?

Kirsty: It would be great to get more women into management positions, and to get that balance, which is the way it’s starting to head now.

Georgia: When I was doing my building trade, I was the only one there. Then when I went to TAFE, there were three of us. I’d like to see more women right across the industry.

Fiona: An ideal future is one where women see building as an ‘industry of choice’ – a future where women freely enter a career in our industry and are encouraged to do so.

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

Since contributing to this article, Georgia Davis, Yard Person at Dahlsens Morisset, has returned to her apprenticeship to finish her carpentry qualifications. Congratulations Georgia, we are so proud of you. Thanks for your contribution!