The National Association of Women in Construction NZ (NAWIC) in partnership with the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) hosted a panel of industry leaders and role models in Wellington on Suffrage Day 2024. The topic was "We Belong - Women Pioneering the Future in Construction."

Panellists were Prof Deidre Brown (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu) an architectural historian and head of Te Pare School of Architecture and Planning; Beryl Anderson ONZM, NCWNZ; Antoinette Howard, a BCITO apprentice; and Alice Carmody, Director of Choice Commercial and Quantity Surveyor; and, Kate Saunders, chair. There were around 100 people in the audience.

Panellists at the National Library in Wellington - l to r: Deirdre Brown, Beryl Anderson, Antoinette Howard, Alic Carmody, Kate Saunders.

Many issues were covered such as the number of female architectural students had grown to more than 50%, and the need to challenge stereotypes – for example, women in the workplace should not be the ones loading the company's dishwasher every time. Role models are essential.

The importance of flexibility and changing mindsets was emphasised, such as male colleagues taking career breaks for childcare. Men taking time off for childcare not only enriches their lives but normalises the practice, potentially narrowing the gender pay gap. Government policies could drive this change. Scandinavia leads by example, mandating paid family leave for both parents and even grandparents. This approach could be a blueprint for fostering workplace and domestic gender equality.

The panellists also pointed out that cultural sexism is an issue. There is more racism than sexism on work sites - a heartbreaking reality. There are overprotective attitudes from men due to concerns about gender ratios within construction. To overcome this, protective fathers need to be included in the journey, showing them that the industry is safe and normal.

Attendees were encouraged to inspire change for the future of construction to be inclusive.

To read more articles from The Circular (September-October 2024) issue 649, click on the tag below.