CITB WOMEN’S SUMMIT 2020
Barry Neilson Chief Executive CITB NI with the summit guest speakers.
THE CITB NI WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION SUMMIT 2020 HAD ONE CLEAR GOAL...
Shattering stereotypes
“C ross that bridge? I wanted to build that bloody bridge!” This was just one example of the many powerful messages conveyed by women from every corner of Northern Ireland’s construction industry at the Women in Construction Summit which took place recently. The event was organised by The CITB NI Women in Construction Network and was the first of its kind to be staged here. “We are delighted to host our very first Women in Construction NI Summit in Northern Ireland,” said Barry Neilson, Chief Executive of CITB NI. “CITB NI run and facilitate the Women in Construction Network in Northern Ireland which is made up of a group of friendly, inspiring and dedicated women working in a wide range of roles within the construction
industry. This summit was inspired by the network to help to support and promote diversity within the growing construction industry.” The sold-out event featured an impressive line-up of speakers who shared inspirational stories, business advice and career development for women currently working in the construction industry. It also focussed on those who are thinking of joining and on employers who are working to support diversity in the industry. The event also provided thought-provoking tips on career management, help identifying key role models and an opportunity to expand professional networks. After introductory speeches by event host, Sarah Travers and Barry Neilson, attendees were then treated to a staged performance entitled: ‘Building Bridges’ where that ‘build that
bloody bridge’ line came from, together with many other interesting points of discussion which perfectly illustrated what it was like to be a woman in the construction industry. This drama laid out a timeline of the barriers women can face in their pursuit of a dream career in construction. Examples began with the seemingly innocent, like having to borrow her brother’s Lego, continuing right through to examples of outright discrimination in the workplace. It was entertaining, assertive, and sadly all too familiar for many of those in the audience who had experienced these kinds of situations and behaviours throughout both their personal lives and careers. The conference also featured talks from leading industry professionals representing Arup, Clanmil Housing,
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