Synergy News & Blog: News
International Women’s Day 2021
Today at Synergy we are celebrating both International Women’s Day (IWD) and ‘Women in Construction Week’ as the two events coincide quite nicely! This year’s IWD campaign theme is #ChooseToChallenge and we have put our hands up to show that we’re in!
It may seem simple, but striking this pose promotes a powerful message; that collectively, we are all capable of challenging gender bias and inequalities.
IWD and Women in Construction Week presents the perfect opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements and shine a light on gender equality within the industry. With women making up only 14% of the construction industry it is clear that we need to continue challenging gender stereotypes and show our commitment to gender parity – the equal access to resources and opportunities regardless of gender.
We need to question why women are still underrepresented in construction and address the deep-rooted gender perceptions that have contributed to the male-dominated nature of the industry.
This can be done through promoting the variety of opportunities available in this vibrant industry and actively seeking to recruit women into leadership roles, thus creating role models that women can look up to. For some, construction might not be the most obvious path, however we can inspire women to think more creatively about their skillset and the roles they can succeed in.
Positively, misconceptions about gender specific roles are gradually ebbing and the numbers of women working in construction is on the rise, with 37% of university graduates entering the industry, being women. By embracing events like International Women’s Day and celebrating women’s achievements across all sectors, we step closer to changing outdated attitudes and to building equal work environments free of discrimination.
“On International Women’s Day, may we all remember our role models who help us grow in strength and independence. To mothers who nurtured us and teachers who mentored us, as well as colleagues and sponsors who support us every day.” – Anne-Marie Woodhouse, Finance Partner at Synergy
The construction industry plays a key part in shaping the world around us and it is vital that women find their space in the industry to truly reflect the society we live in. With more construction jobs being created and a skills shortage on the horizon, it is more important than ever that women enter the industry.
