Organisers of a forum for women in the construction industry say they have been overwhelmed by the response to the event and are adding a second date to accommodate the unforeseen demand.
More than 120 women enrolled in the first Women in Construction Forum, on March 8 (International Working Women’s Day) at the Bridge Club in Christchurch, and a similar number will attend the second event on March 29 at the same venue.
All the women attending the forum are actively working in construction says organiser Safe/Rebuild, which is supported by the E tu Union.
It is co-ordinating the event together with the Canterbury Rebuild Safety Charter, which is funded by industry companies and Worksafe.
“These are all women in construction, working in a wide range of roles, including tool workers such as roofers and painters, as well as women who manage and run building firms, so they represent every aspect of the industry,” says Safe/Rebuild spokesperson Jo Duffy.
Duffy says the interest has taken organisers by surprise but is understandable.
“I think there’s such a massive gap in the market and women often feel quite isolated. There’s lots of them out there, but it can be hard for them to connect,” says Duffy.
Duffy says the forums will provide networking opportunities as well as conversations about the challenges and opportunities for women in the industry.
Key speakers include Sarah O’Connell, managing director of Tri-Ex; T J Kereru Daly, a roofer with Newfield Roofing and Corinne Bolstead, who oversees health and safety for Arrow, a major construction industry player.
As for the timing of the first forum, it’s no coincidence this is the day that celebrates working women.
“It seems an obvious day to run this forum. We want to celebrate women in the business and the timing’s perfect,” says Duffy.
