Empowering Change: Insights as a Woman Working in Construction
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The construction industry is undergoing a significant transformation as it increasingly recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion. Women have been, and still are, underrepresented in this field, but their contributions are crucial for fostering innovation, enhancing collaboration, and improving workplace culture. As the industry evolves, it's essential to address the unique challenges women face, including gender bias, limited access to mentorship, and the need for supportive networks.
In this interview, we will delve into several key topics: the barriers women encounter in pursuing careers in construction, effective strategies for overcoming these challenges, and the critical role of mentorship and networking in career advancement. Additionally, we will explore how organisations can implement policies and initiatives to better support women in their professional development and the significance of creating an inclusive workplace culture.
Joining us to share her insights is Tiona Meek, a Senior GIS Analyst at ACCIONA Australia, who has made a notable impact in both consulting and construction. Her experiences and commitment to fostering inclusion in the industry provide valuable perspectives on the path toward a more equitable future in construction.
About Tiona Meek
Tiona is a Senior GIS Analyst within ACCIONA Australia with nine years of experience, including within consulting and two and a half years in construction on major infrastructure projects. She specialises in delivering digital engineering solutions that integrate environmental considerations with client and stakeholder needs and enjoys finding spatial solutions to workflows that are traditionally handled in more manual ways. Beyond her technical expertise, Tiona is committed to fostering inclusion in the industry, championing diversity and equity across construction.
What inspired you to pursue a career in construction?
“I began my GIS (Geospatial Information Science) career within the consulting industry, where I gained my first Big Build experience on the Level Crossing Removals projects. After some time, my curiosity increased around the construction side of the project, so when the opportunity came up to work with ACCIONA, I was ready for the new perspective.”
What challenges or barriers have you faced as a woman in this industry, and how have you overcome them?
“Fortunately, I work in a team with managers who value Women in Construction initiatives and who actively advocate and seek opportunities for me to develop in my career.”
“The largest challenge, which can also be a positive, is the steep knowledge gain needed to work in a rapid and constantly evolving environment. Construction is the convergence of many disciplines at once, with the pressure of critical timing, so having a team and broader team willing to share knowledge along the way is important.”
What advice would you give to a woman beginning her career in construction?
“Focus on your confidence to speak up with your ideas, and any challenges you may be facing. Adding onto this confidence is maintaining visibility within your team and broader teams, this could be small like simply showing up or developing your personal brand by participating in project initiatives, communication through media channels or industry networking activities.”
How do you think the construction industry can better support women in their careers?
“Continuous career development support for opportunities that may not be typically a known career option for women, such as by providing education and training pathways.”
“In addition, as more women participate in the construction industry, a natural progression to an improved workplace culture will follow.”
What resources or networks have been most helpful to you as a woman in construction?
“My current project has an embedded Women Networking Group that tailors informative sessions towards building self-confidence or navigating common workplace challenges, invites us to industry events, and my favourite, a coffee roulette that pairs two women randomly to initiate a coffee catch up each month, with no expectations other than starting a conversation.”
How has the perception of women in construction changed over the years?
“I have worked within the construction industry only 2.5 years, so relatively new for the ability to see change over time! What I do see is the focus on inclusivity through initiatives and showcasing the work that women do, larger participation rates in the younger generation and slowly more women in leadership roles, but we still need to be more progressive in the latter.”
What advice do you have for women looking to advance into leadership roles in construction?
“Don’t underestimate the power and importance of mentorships, particularly with male allies. I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in a Mentorship Program that pairs senior women with executive roles, which has been a gateway for further invaluable networking within ACCIONA, outside of my project alliance.”
In conclusion, our conversation with Tiona illuminated the vital need for diversity and inclusion within the construction industry. Key takeaways from our discussion include the importance of mentorship and networking as essential tools for women navigating their careers, as well as the role of organisations in providing supportive environments that foster growth and equity. Tiona's insights on overcoming barriers and the evolving perception of women in construction highlight both the progress made and the ongoing challenges that require attention.
We'd like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Tiona for sharing her experiences and perspectives. Her commitment to championing diversity and her proactive approach to fostering inclusion serve as an inspiration for others in the industry, driving us all toward a more equitable and innovative future in construction.
Join our Women in Construction Ambassador Programme and become a catalyst for change, like Tiona! 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 (taking place on 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.