International Women’s Day on March 8 is a moment to underscore the leadership required to drive real progress, and stepping into my first as CEO of the federation, that responsibility has never felt more immediate.
With Ireland facing the complex challenge of transforming its infrastructure and delivering houses at scale to meet critical demand, the need for diverse leadership and inclusive
thinking is vital. Throughout my career, I’ve made diversity a real priority and I’ve seen the impact that strong, clear and consistent leadership in this area can bring about across teams, businesses, results and to success.
To meet Ireland’s urgent, complex and interconnected housing, infrastructure, and climate challenges, we require the very best minds and the broadest range of talent available. That must include women. Right now, just 11 per cent of those employed in construction are women. That’s a figure we simply can’t ignore. We can’t afford, economically or socially, to draw from only half the population.
The challenge is too big, and the opportunity is too important. Part of the solution starts early, and I’m delighted that the line-up for our flagship annual International Women’s Day event, taking place on March 6, at the Johnstown Estate, features a live-streamed Q&A, chaired by reigning Rose of Tralee and apprentice electrician Katelyn Cummins, between a panel of graduate apprentices and a group of students at Ardscoil Rath Iomgháin school in Rathangan, Co. Kildare taking part in the STEM Passport for Inclusion programme, an initiative proudly supported by CIF.
Kindly sponsored by a wide range of our members, our International Women’s Day event led by Gillian Murtagh of Shay Murtagh Precast, and delivered under the auspices of the CIF ESG Subcommittee, will showcase an exceptional line-up of leading female experts.
The programme features authoritative voices on creating inclusive workplaces, the principles of leadership excellence, the transformative impact of digitalisation, and the broader value of ESG beyond carbon counting.
Across the day, attendees will hear from specialists who bring deep insight, practical experience, and forwardthinking perspectives to each of these vital topics, ensuring an inspiring and thought-provoking celebration of women’s expertise. We need to make sure girls and young women are exposed to the possibilities of a career in construction from a young age, particularly while they’re still in school and making decisions about subjects and future pathways.
When students see the connection between STEM subjects, design, technology or apprenticeships, and real, rewarding careers in our sector, it changes perceptions. And when they see women thriving in those roles, it makes those ambitions feel possible.
The fantastic on-site roles in trades, engineering and project management are only part of the story. Ours is an industry that is rapidly digitalising and modernising. There are careers in digital construction, sustainability, off-site manufacturing, planning, finance, health and safety, design, communications and leadership.
There truly is something for almost every interest and skillset – on site and off site. I’m continually encouraged by the work many CIF members are doing to lead the way and who are sending a strong message about the kind of industry we want to be.
Across our membership, I see real effort going into mentoring, inclusive recruitment practices and enhancing workplace policies. That leadership matters. It helps set the tone for the wider sector.
Creating a more equitable industry is something we all have to own. Men and women alike have a role to play in shaping workplaces that are respectful, inclusive and fair. That means challenging outdated attitudes, embracing flexible approaches, and making sure opportunities are genuinely open to everyone.
If we want a more inclusive industry, we also need to see more women involved in our member associations and committees. Diverse voices lead to better discussions and better decisions.I would strongly encourage more women from across our membership to consider putting themselves forward – your perspectives are needed and valued. On this International Women’s Day, let’s keep that conversation going and more importantly, let’s keep taking action together.
