It’s International Women’s Day 2024 and to celebrate we are pleased to present a series of interviews featuring the incredible voices of our female employees. From sharing their experiences, motivations, and perspectives, these interviews shed light on the diverse talents and strengths of the women who drive innovation and success within our company.
Interview – Siobhan Martin, Senior Brand Executive
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
As a woman in a male-dominated industry and also competing in a male-dominated sport, I think it’s truly important to highlight and encourage the limitless possibilities we have as females. Equality and empowerment are vital.
What motivated you to pursue a career in the construction industry?
After spending the first half of my career in Local Government, I moved location and fancied a challenge in a brand-new industry. Keystone Group stood out for me as a leading construction product manufacturer and I was keen to become part of something big and make an impact on the future of construction.
How do you think the construction industry can become more inclusive and diverse?
I think we are slowly but surely moving in the right direction however as an industry, we need to do more by targeting and advising young females from school age to highlight the career possibilities. This will also allow construction companies to access a broader range of skills and experience.
What’s your personal International Women’s Day message?
Go for it and don’t be worried! No matter which job you are interested in, your gender plays no role. We are all capable. We, as women, can accomplish anything. We just need to be brave enough to stand up and do so!
Interview – Judith Mitchell, Health & Safety Coordinator
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
To me IWD is a day to acknowledge and celebrate the progress that has been made in empowering women in the workplace and to recognise some of the amazing talented female colleagues I work with.
What motivated you to pursue a career in the construction industry?
Choosing a Health and Safety role in the construction industry offers a chance to make a significant difference to employee safety and the satisfaction of seeing tangible results from safe working practices being implemented across sites.
How do you think the construction industry can become more inclusive and diverse?
To be more inclusive the construction industry needs to ensure the same opportunities, recognition and rewards are given to women in the workplace as are given to men.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in construction?
Never doubt your knowledge, don’t be afraid to speak up and express your concerns. It can be quite intimidating being a young women in what’s has always been considered a male environment but your input is just as important and valuable as anyone else on the team.
What’s your personal International Women’s Day message?
“It took me a long time to find my voice and know my own strength but now I have it, I’m never going to be quiet or rely on anyone but myself, if I make mistakes along the way at least I’ll know they were mine to make”
Interview – Beverly Whiting, Area Sales Manager
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It’s the chance to celebrate and recognise the achievements of all women. For me personally to reflect on inspirational women in my life. Along side celebrating achievements it important to recognise the gender inequality that still exists and look at opportunities to overcome these.
What motivated you to pursue a career in the construction industry?
I fell into the construction industry after working in finance and found that I absolutely loved the industry so continued to pursue a career in it.
How do you think the construction industry can become more inclusive and diverse?
It has been great to see the rise in numbers of women in the construction industry workforce, however the percentage is still very low at around 16%. The diverse range of jobs need to be promoted through college’s, universities and apprenticeships to women.
Companies breaking down gender stereotypical roles by hiring women for positions previously perceived and a male role and supporting diversity.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in construction?
Absolutely go for it. It’s an amazing industry to be part of. It’s incredibly interesting, challenging and there’s so much scope for career development.
What’s your personal International Women’s Day message?
Pursue your ambitions, be the author of your own destiny, smash through the barriers and be the most successful and happiest version of yourself.
