International Women's Day 2020 - Women in Construction

​International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women – the day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. #EachforEqual

An equal world is an enabled world. We can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women’s achievements. Collectively, each one of us can help create a gender equal world.

Here at Atkins James we are an equal opportunities employer and will challenge bias and stereotypes wherever we see them. In environments such as Recruitment and Construction biases are still prevalent, so we are focused on supporting everyone to achieve their goals and fulfil their potential. Laura, our Senior Consultant, is a fantastic ambassador for International Women’s Day 2020…

Laura’s Story:

“I joined Construction Recruitment back in 2014 as a young and naive Apprentice, choosing the vocational opposed to the educational route. I’d always been interested and fascinated by the Construction industry from my family background and wanted a piece of the action! Over the past 6 years, I have worked in nearly every aspect of Construction Recruitment from temporary trades & labour / freelance to permanent management and director level appointments.

I feel that 6 years on there is still very much a stigma around ‘Women in Construction’ that I experience in my day to day position, from meeting with senior construction professionals and not being wholly acknowledged or hearing throw away comments such as ‘it’s a man’s world’.

I meet with exceptional women every week in our industry that inspire me from a young and naïve apprentices / trainees (such as myself back in 2014) making their way into the industry to accomplished Directors / Business Owners of successful construction businesses.

Women make up around 14% of our beloved Construction industry, however wages are rising for female construction workers and the proportion of women in senior roles has nearly trebled since 2005 which is amazing news!

The story of women in construction is one that shows that fighting for a better, more equal society can make deep and lasting improvements to our built environment and easing the path for those that will come after us… This needs to continue – and there has never been a better time for women to get into the industry.”

#EachforEqual