Although progress toward gender equity in construction is steadily growing, women still make up only a small percentage of the industry’s workforce. Yet, momentum is building — driven by advocacy, education, and community initiatives that are reshaping the face of the built environment. From mentorship programs and inclusive site policies to flexible work arrangements and leadership opportunities, change is underway to ensure women are not just entering the field, but thriving within it.

In this article, we explore what meaningful inclusion looks like — how visibility, support, and flexible pathways are helping women build long-term, fulfilling careers in construction. To gain insight into these evolving dynamics, we spoke with Divya Singh, a Master of Construction Project Management student about her experiences as a woman in construction, championing equity, culture change, and leadership within the industry.

 

About Divya Singh

Divya is a Master of Construction Project Management student at the University of Melbourne and a 2025 Women in Construction Ambassador for the Melbourne Build Expo. She is passionate about creating a more inclusive and equitable construction industry. Having previously worked in contracts and procurement on large-scale projects in India, and now engaging in mentorship and leadership roles in Australia, she has seen firsthand how visibility, support, and opportunity can transform women’s experiences in construction.

Through initiatives such as mentoring programs, student associations, and advocacy platforms, Divya seeks to contribute to a future where women are not only present on worksites but are leading conversations, driving innovation, and shaping the next generation of construction professionals.

 

Representation & Visibility

Despite steady progress, women remain significantly underrepresented in construction. What do you think are the most effective ways to increase visibility and attract more women into the industry?

“From my experience as a Master’s student in Construction Project Management and a Women in Construction Ambassador, I believe visibility and mentorship are key. When women see others thriving on-site or in leadership, it breaks stereotypes and inspires confidence. Structured mentorship programs and inclusive cadetships can create real entry points, while flexible workplaces help retain talent. By amplifying women’s voices and showcasing diverse success stories, we can make construction a space where more women see themselves belonging and leading.”

 

Pathways & Mentorship

How important are mentoring programs, cadetships, or early career pathways in supporting women starting out in construction, and what models have you seen work well?

“Mentoring programs and cadetships are absolutely crucial for women entering construction. From my own experience as a Women in Construction Ambassador and mentee under CIOB and WAM programs, I’ve seen how the right guidance can shape confidence and career direction. Mentorship helps women navigate site culture, career progression, and technical challenges with support and clarity.”

“Cadetships and structured early-career pathways like the ones offered by Harris HMC, Mazzei Group, and Kapitol Group—create hands-on learning while fostering inclusive workplaces. The most effective models pair practical exposure with mentorship and networking opportunities, helping women build both competence and confidence. When companies invest in these programs intentionally, they don’t just hire women, they retain and empower future leaders.”

 

Workplace Culture

Site culture can sometimes be a barrier for women entering or staying in the field. What changes—big or small—can help create safer, more inclusive, and more supportive worksites?

“Site culture plays a huge role in whether women feel they belong in construction. From my own experiences and conversations through the Women in Construction network, I’ve seen that even small changes can make a big impact. Simple steps like addressing inappropriate language, providing proper facilities, and ensuring equal access to training or site responsibilities go a long way.”

“On a larger scale, leadership needs to set the tone by promoting zero-tolerance policies for discrimination and encouraging open dialogue. When women are treated as professionals first, not exceptions, it changes the dynamic completely. Inclusive site inductions, gender-balanced teams, and visible female role models can help create worksites where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.”

 

Leadership & Influence

From your experience, how can women in leadership roles influence meaningful change and help shape a more equitable industry culture?

“Women in leadership play a powerful role in redefining industry culture. From what I’ve seen through my experiences as a Women in Construction Ambassador and student leader, visibility itself can inspire others to step forward. But beyond representation, real influence comes from mentorship, advocacy, and leading by example whether that’s creating safe spaces for open dialogue, pushing for inclusive hiring, or calling out bias when it appears.”

“When women in leadership actively uplift others and normalise diversity at the decision-making level, it shifts the culture from token inclusion to genuine equity. Their presence doesn’t just open doors, it keeps them open for those who follow.”

 

Flexibility & Retention

Flexible work arrangements are crucial for retention and balance. How can the construction sector better adapt to support women with different responsibilities or career goals?

“Flexibility is essential if we want more women to build long-term careers in construction. The industry often associates success with long site hours, but real progress comes when companies focus on outcomes rather than time spent on-site. From what I’ve seen, offering hybrid roles, job-sharing options, and flexible rostering can make a huge difference especially for women balancing study, caregiving, or personal commitments.”

“Leaders who normalise flexible work without questioning commitment set the tone for inclusion. When organisations trust their people, provide clear growth pathways, and accommodate different career rhythms, they not only retain women they create a more balanced, motivated workforce overall.”

 

Future Outlook

What gives you optimism about the future of women in construction, and what collective action do you think will have the greatest impact over the next decade?

“What gives me optimism is the growing sense of community among women in construction. Through my work as a Women in Construction Ambassador and student leader, I’ve seen more women supporting, mentoring, and celebrating each other than ever before. The conversation is shifting from awareness to action—companies are investing in mentorships, inclusive cadetships, and leadership pathways that actually create change.’

“Over the next decade, collective action will matter most in industry, academia, and government working together to make inclusion a standard, not an initiative. When visibility, support, and opportunity align, we’ll not only see more women in construction, but more women leading it.”

 

As the construction industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that inclusion and progress go hand in hand. Voices like Divya’s remind us that meaningful change stems from visibility, mentorship, and leadership that values diversity at every level. Creating spaces where women feel supported and empowered - whether through early-career pathways, equitable site culture, or flexible work - is essential to building an industry that reflects the society it serves.

The future of construction is being shaped by those who not only build structures, but also build opportunity, confidence, and community. With growing advocacy and collaboration across education, business, and policy, the sector is gradually laying stronger foundations for equity, for innovation, and for the next generation of leaders.

A special thank you to Divya for sharing her insights and experiences, and for championing a future where women are not just part of construction, but are driving its transformation.

 

Connect with Divya on LinkedIn.

 

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Join our Women in Construction Ambassador Programme and become a catalyst for change, like Divya! You'll have the chance to network with over 10,000 attendees and connect with fellow ambassadors to share insights and effective strategies for promoting diversity in the industry. Together, we can create a supportive community that empowers women in construction. You can make a meaningful impact – become an ambassador today!

Don’t miss the largest Women in Construction Networking Event in Victoria (23 Oct, at 3:30pm, at the Networking Hub at Melbourne Build). This expo is the leading and largest construction trade show for Melbourne and Victoria, taking place October 22nd & 23rd 2025 at MCEC. Featuring two jam-packed days of knowledge-sharing, 450+ expert speakers across 12 conference stages, a 175+ booth exhibition, Meet the Buyers, business networking, live music, entertainment and so much more! Don’t miss out on free tickets to the show.