The industry has made significant progress, but there’s more work to be done to achieve true gender equality
Women in Construction Week (2-8 March) is always a time for reflection, and it brings mixed feelings for me.
While I wholeheartedly support recognising the accomplishments of women in the industry, and fostering a safe and inclusive environment, I can’t help but wonder what happens after the week ends.
While these conversations are valuable, true progress should be built on the ongoing support and empowerment of women in construction beyond a single event.
For me, gender should not be the focal point. It's about finding the best person for the job and ensuring that everyone is given an equal opportunity to succeed.
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While these awareness weeks shine a light on women’s contributions, the true measure of progress is seen in how we continue to support and retain women in the industry once the buzz fades away.
These awareness weeks shine a light on women’s contributions, [but] the true measure of progress is seen in how we continue to support and retain women in the industry once the buzz fades away
Clare Spivey, Grayson
Boys’ club mentality
That being said, I am fully aware that challenges still exist for women in the industry.
The construction sector has made significant strides, and it’s clear that attitudes are evolving, but there’s still an undercurrent of the ‘boys’ club’ mentality.
Women are accepted in the workplace more now than ever before, and more doors are opening, but the reality is that we often have to go the extra mile to prove our expertise before we are taken seriously.
Once we’ve earned that recognition and trust, we are accepted. However, it’s important to acknowledge that women, in general, often have to work harder than their male counterparts to demonstrate the same competence.
Work still to do
While the progress we’ve made is promising, we still have work to do before achieving real equality.
In addition to addressing these challenges, I believe that women need to take ownership of their roles in construction. We shouldn’t be seen as token hires, brought in to simply meet diversity targets.
Women need to be recognised for their skills, work ethic and qualifications, not just their gender.
Yes, training, support and guidance are essential for everyone in the industry, but it is crucial to ensure that these resources are distributed equitably across all employees.
It’s about offering opportunities for growth and development, regardless of gender, and ensuring that the playing field is truly level.
Treating people equally
At Grayson, we’ve always made hiring decisions based on skills, qualifications and experience, never gender. Everyone in our company is treated equally and gender never factors into our decisions.
Yes, training, support and guidance are essential for everyone in the industry, but it is crucial to ensure that these resources are distributed equitably across all employees
Clare Spivey, Grayson
Women should be in construction because they are qualified and capable, not because they fit a diversity initiative.
The focus should always be on skillset, and that’s how we ensure that the best candidates are chosen for the job.
Now that Women in Construction Week has passed, what happens next? Do we return to business as usual, or do we continue to push for meaningful change?
The path forward is clear. Both men and women have a role to play in ensuring that the best person for the job gets it.
Until we reach a point where gender is no longer a factor in the conversation, we must continue striving for progress.
We need to work toward a future where true equality exists, not just symbolic gestures that come and go.
Clare Spivey is sales and marketing director at Grayson.
