Diversity of thought, a people-centric approach to managing complex projects, and an ability to multitask is only the start of what gender diversity brings to construction. 

Women may only make up 10% of our industry’s workforce, but their impact is immeasurable. International women’s day is a celebration of all women, everywhere, for everything they do. But it’s also a celebration of balance. 

What Women Do 

Multitasking is a vital skill in construction, and at this, women are naturals. 

Being able to organise and manage everything on a site from compliance and health and safety, to permits, site audits, and relationships with subcontractors, construction is an industry where the ability to balance a multitude of tasks is paramount. 

“By our nature, women are the best multitaskers, and that’s literally what construction is,” says Mairead Luttrell, our Contracts Manager here at ADCO.

Mairead heads up our pharmaceutical division, She’s also a mother, a wife, a leader, and a camogie player with Ballyboden. Having initially started out in our fit out division, Mairead soon realised she preferred the variety and challenge involved in the pharmaceutical sector and, particularly, in controlled environments. 

Communication and Adaptability 

Along with an innate ability to multitask, women bring a slightly different approach to communication onsite, and at the pre-construction phases. Quick problem-solving, and decision making are always required in fast-paced construction environments.

Communication is important in all aspects of work and life, but it’s particularly important in construction. Whether on-site or in the office, communication drives the momentum of the programme, produces solutions to problems, and ensures everyone stays friends through even the most challenging of projects. Along with different skills and strengths, women also offer new perspectives.

Balance and Diversity 

You need a well-rounded team to cover all the bases, and nowhere is this truer than in construction. Diversity of thought is just as important as communication, because having input from people with different strengths, skills, and perspectives is essential to innovation.

Gender diversity in construction fosters improved decision-making, increased creativity, and enhanced production.

Breaking Barriers

Construction is one of the biggest industries in Ireland, making up over 10% of the country’s gross domestic product, and with increasing awareness and appreciation for diversity, and respect for the contribution women are making in construction— both as a female, and as an equal — there has never been a better time for women to thrive in this industry. 

The women here at ADCO believe in breaking barriers, challenging norms, and paving the way for future generations of women in the industry. 

“As a woman in construction, you have the opportunity to inspire other women to pursue their passions and carve out their own paths in traditionally male-dominated fields,” says Gisela Batista, PMO Manager at ADCO

“You can achieve anything that you put your mind to, the only barrier is yourself so if you want a career in construction, go for it, you won’t regret it.”  — Anita Joyce, Purchasing Manager at ADCO

Today, On IWD 2024, the world acknowledges the incredible work done by our female staff, on site and in the office. But we do this every day at ADCO!