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Over 650 women in construction to unite for the Construction Industry Federation’s International Women’s Day Summit today 9.00 – 13.00 in Johnstown Estate, Enfield.
The Construction Industry Federation is urging women to consider a career in construction for its International Women’s Day Summit. 650 women will attend its annual International Women’s Day Summit in Johnstown House Estate today, with hundreds more tuning in on livestream.
This half day summit brings together some of Ireland’s leading female construction experts from the country’s biggest construction companies to discuss infrastructure, safety on construction sites, careers in construction, sustainability and financial security.
Forty girls who are part of STEM Passport for Inclusion, the groundbreaking initiative established by Dr Katriona O’Sullivan, academic and author of ‘Poor’ will attend, to find out about working in construction.
Joanne Treacy, Southern Regional Director with the Construction Industry Federation said: “176,000 people work in the construction sector but just 9% are women. This statistic reduces to 1% for women working on building sites.
“Industry-wide efforts to attract women and girls are gaining momentum, alongside an expanding range of career opportunities, but we need to do more to move the dial.
“To build a stronger, more diverse workforce, we must ensure construction-related subjects are accessible to girls at second level. Without equal subject choices and career pathways, we are limiting the potential of future generations before they even reach third level.
“This year marks the Construction Industry Federation’s 90th anniversary. The face of the industry has changed over the decades, and we want this diversity to grow. We need both women and men in the construction industry and a diverse range of mindsets and skill sets. The beauty of the construction industry is that it can offer rewarding and varied careers for all, from engineering, to plumbing, from human resources to project management, there is an option for every interest.”
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless said: “Events like this one being hosted by CIF are a fantastic opportunity for everyone in the industry to share their stories, ideas and experiences, while also taking a moment to reflect on where it might make improvements, thereby ensuring that women everywhere know that there is an exciting career open to them in construction.
“The entire industry has incredible stories to tell. Stories of innovation, expertise and excellence. Stories that it may take for granted, but which have the potential to inspire a generation of women to consider a career in construction.
“We need to ensure these stories reach women of all ages so they know about the varied and sustainable careers now available, careers which will help dispel the myth that construction is just muddy boots in a field.”
A livestream of the event is available: Register here.
View the full agenda for the CIF’s International Women’s Day Summit.
