International Women’s Day 2025

International Women’s Day

Highlighting the experiences of two inspiring colleagues, Louise and Hunnii, we explore their journeys in construction, their perspectives on gender equality, and their advice for women considering a career in the industry.

Louise Adebayo – Senior Quantity Surveyor

Overview of your career in construction
My career began in 2002 after graduating with a BSc in Construction Management. I worked for a civils contractor then moved onto supermarket refurbs. I missed the outdoors and working in the civils sector, so I found my way back working for the Railway Procurement Agency in Dublin. I spent the next decade working on railway projects whilst studying and completing an MBA. I was interested in the law side of construction so decided to take a couple of years off fulltime work to pursue a master’s in construction law. I then joined a main contractor and worked a mix of projects, office park new builds, supermarket refreshes, hotel extensions etc before joining Glencar at Heathrow airport in February 2020. And it’s been a mixed bag since.

Was it a conscious decision for you to choose and stay in construction?
It was a conscious but very influenced decision for me to choose and stay in construction . My dad was a civil engineer and worked for Total for many years. I spent a lot of weekends driving around petrol station sites with him. I’ve stayed in construction because I actually do enjoy it.

Glencar’s ratio of Female colleagues is 19% – Does this surprise you?
This doesn’t surprise me. In fact I think it’s a good ratio. In many places where I’ve worked before I’d be one of a few out of hundreds so this is a very good ratio in my opinion.

What are your views on promotion and career progression for female colleagues at Glencar?
At Glencar I don’t feel there is a difference between how male and females are valued and promoted. I think Glencar are fair and look at the person’s ability and not whether they are male or female.

What would your advice be to women and girls considering a career in construction?
I would 100% say go for it. It’s very rewarding, challenging most times but rewarding.

Is there anything you feel Glencar could do better for its female workforce?
I don’t think there is anything more Glencar could do. For now all is ok and very supportive.

The theme for IWD 2025 is ‘Accelerate Action’ for gender equality. What does this mean to you?
For me this means put more fire in the engine that is driving gender equality. Get a bit more urgency, prioritise it and do more to drive gender equality.

Hunnii-Septembre Woodward – Construction Manager

Overview of your career in construction
Whilst studying a business degree at University, I developed an interest in construction through shadowing family members who also worked in the management side of the industry. From there, I completed an NVQ in Construction Management as well as other relevant qualifications to enable building my experience. Soon after, I joined Glencar where I have been involved in new build warehouses and office / warehouse fit-out projects.

Was it a conscious decision for you to choose and stay in construction?
Yes it was a conscious decision for me. I’ve always enjoyed the dynamic construction has to offer and love being involved in the project being developed from a field into a functioning building.

Glencar’s ratio of Female colleagues is 19% – Does this surprise you?
This doesn’t surprise me. The ratio is high for a construction company and I’m sure will continue to grow.

What are your views on promotion and career progression for female colleagues at Glencar?
Glencar support both male and female with promotions and career progression during personal development reviews every 6 months. This is a great way to catch up with line managers to discuss areas of improvement and encourage training targets. Promotions and career progression at Glencar are based on these meetings where ability and input from individuals are considered, regardless of gender.

What would your advice be to women and girls considering a career in construction?
You will not regret it! I enjoy the dynamic side of the industry where no two days are the same. There is nothing like the feeling of seeing a project on day one compared to practical completion.

Is there anything you feel Glencar could do better for its female workforce?
I feel Glencar are very supportive of females in the workforce so there is nothing additional that springs to mind.

The theme for IWD 2025 is ‘Accelerate Action’ for gender equality. What does this mean to you?
To me this means driving gender equality into the right direction by ensuring the same opportunities are available to everyone.