Building on this year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Give to Gain,’ local industry stakeholders are pushing for a new era of leadership in construction. While women are increasingly entering the field, experts say structural changes are still needed to move them from the sidelines.
Director of the Trinidad and Tobago Contractors Association, Patries Ramkaran, is calling for more female involvement in construction, breaking away from the notion of it being male-dominated.
“Construction is built on foundation and so is progress. When we invest in women, we invest in a nation. When we open doors we do not lose anything, we gain stronger teams, stronger companies and ultimately a stronger industry.”
Although the numbers in the sector are growing, addressing policies and limitations preventing women and girls from thriving in this field still needs to be done, as noted by structural engineer Margarita Leonard.
“In terms of the decision makers, the policy makers have to understand the roles that we have as women and being able to facilitate it in terms of what changes must be made to policy to be able to allow that to happen and what must be changed in the mindsets of all stakeholders in terms of making sure that that happens as well.”
Recognising the role that the government needs to play, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure Ian Ramdahin urged women to capitalise on the moment before them.
“The question is no longer whether women can do the work, we know they can. The question is about equity in the distribution of the work at all levels. And if the government’s role is to create growth opportunities for our citizens, I urge women to get up, take your rightful place and capitalize on the moment that is now before you.”
Drawing on this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain”, the event, “Laying the Foundation for Women in Construction: Leadership Forum and Networking”, addressed the value women bring to leadership, innovation, and avenues for growth within the industry.