A coalition of organisations from Ireland’s built environment sector has launched Constructing Equality Ireland, an initiative designed to accelerate gender equality and increase women’s representation at all levels within the construction industry. The group is led by founding partners from across the sector and facilitated by Business in the Community Ireland.
Driving change in a male-dominated industry
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) and Women in Construction Ireland (WICI) support the initiative and sit on its steering group. The partners aim to develop practical, evidence-based solutions that improve the attraction, retention, and progression of women in the sector.
Although some companies have advanced, statistics reveal the magnitude of the issue. Women comprise merely 10.9% of the construction workforce in Ireland, occupy just 9.1% of board seats and hold 15.2% of senior leadership positions within the sector.
Understanding that numerous obstacles confronting women in the building trades are common throughout the sector, the alliance plans to work cooperatively. Combining professional knowledge, personal insights, and data, the team aims to pinpoint actionable steps capable of producing significant and enduring improvement.
Initial focus on recruitment and retention
To launch the effort, Constructing Equality Ireland intends to organize several sector roundtables concentrating on attracting newcomers and keeping women in construction roles. These sessions, available to companies of any scale within the built environment, will shape an industry-wide gender-equality action plan.
The final document will outline actionable and scalable measures that any organization, big or small, well-funded or limited, can implement. The inaugural roundtable is set for 06 October 2026.
Business in the Community Ireland CEO Tomás Sercovich described the initiative as a “multi-sector collective action campaign.” He stated that the sector cannot afford to leave half the population behind, noting that “Coalitions like these require significant leadership and long-term perspective.”
Andrew Brownlee, the CIF’s Chief Executive, emphasized the need for workforce diversity. He explained that creating a more varied construction sector is key for drawing the talent, expertise and leadership that Ireland requires to realise upcoming housing and infrastructure initiatives.
Constructing Equality Ireland founding partners include AstraZeneca, Bord Gáis Energy, Designer Group, Dornan Engineering, John Paul Construction, John Sisk & Son, Jones Engineering, Kirby Group Engineering, Turner & Townsend, and Walls Construction.
