wici

WICI, DkIT, CITBNI Women in Sport/Construction Crossover

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:51:50 GMT

"It was a real pleasure for WICI to help organise and host a panel discussion at Dundalk Institute of Technology exploring the crossover between women in sport and women in construction, held on Thursday 26th March 2026.

We were joined by Jodie Duffy (Construction Manager with Ganson . ), Rebecca Lambe Fagan Lamb Fagan (Mechatronic Engineer with ControlSoft Automation Systems Ltd ), and Lucy Kindlon (Plumber with Mullagh Heating and Plumbing), three impressive young women who are truly blazing a trail in their respective fields.

We had an open and honest conversation about the realities of being a woman in both spaces — from working in construction to playing sport — and how our experiences can still differ significantly from those of men.

While both areas offer great opportunities and strong communities, the consensus was clear: there is progress, but more needs to be done to ensure young women feel equally supported, respected, and able to continue participating and progressing in both.

Important conversations, and an encouraging step forward.

A massive thank you to Rachel Dorovatas, Chartered FCIPD and CITB NI for helping to put the event together and providing us with some refreshments! Here's to more events like this in the future!"

International Womens Day 2026

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:50:23 GMT

"Happy International Women's Day 2026!

At WICI, we believe in supporting and empowering women in the industry every day of the year.

That said, after attending the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) International Women’s Day event on Friday, we left with a real pep in our step and feeling fully motivated to take WICI to the next level.

The panels were incredibly insightful, and we could have listened to the keynote speakers all day. Niamh McNulty summed it up perfectly in four words: “We can do better.” And she’s right, as an industry we absolutely can.

The challenge now is to take the positivity from Friday, and from all the IWD events happening across the industry, and carry that momentum forward for the rest of the year.

As our Rose of Tralee, Katelyn Cummins, said: “We need to do more.” At WICI, we hope to help the industry do exactly that and ensure we retain the incredible women already working within it. The informal networking during the breaks on Friday was invaluable. That’s why we put such a strong focus on networking opportunities throughout the year.

Our mentoring initiative, kicking off in just a few weeks, will help bridge the mentorship gap for many women who don’t currently have access to that support. And our webinars, already a big hit with members, are starting conversations that simply weren’t happening before.

So our takeaway from IWD is the same as the speakers at the CIF event: we can do better.

And together, we will."

Attended two fantastic events in Dublin

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:34:59 GMT

On Wednesday 11th January, Joanne had an inspiring day attending two fantastic events in Dublin — a brilliant chance to step away from the office and connect with incredible people. The day began at the Professional Women’s Network breakfast event at CPL headquarters, where we had the pleasure of meeting Maria Eugênia Souza, Chair of the network, and listening to Barry Winkless deliver a thought-provoking talk on “Inclusive Design & The Future of Work.”

The excitement didn’t stop there! Joanne then headed to the podcast studio, where she met with Josephine Kane from Dornan and took part in their Women at Dornan podcast series. It was an amazing experience, and we’re so excited to hear the final episode when it’s released!"

High Performance Building Alliance Symposium

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 06:51:09 GMT

It was wonderful to attend the High Performance Building Alliance Symposium Wednesday 23rd Jan in a rainy and windy Wexford! I was delighted to have the opportunity to speak on such a strong panel discussing the skills shortage in Ireland and what we can do to combat it.

I personally learned so much about sustainability within our industry and some of the speakers really opened my eyes to what we need to do collectively to meet future targets. I was delighted to share how Women in Construction in Ireland (WICI) is working to support our female workforce, with the aim of retaining women in the industry and helping to bridge the skills gap. Similarly, I spoke about my role as a lecturer in DKIT, where I’m focused on increasing female participation and supporting our female students.

Thank you again, Amanda Stewart, for the invitation. I’m really looking forward to hearing more about the initiatives planned through HPBA for the year ahead.

Welcome to Our New and Returning Women in Construction Members

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 05:29:26 GMT

"A Warm Welcome to Our New and Returning Women in Construction Members!

We’re excited to officially welcome everyone joining us for another year of empowering and supporting women across the construction industry!

Our members received an update last week with exciting details about our 2026 mentoring program, networking opportunities, and upcoming webinars. We’re looking forward to seeing these initiatives help even more women build connections and access valuable support.

Our 2026 calendar, packed with impactful events and new opportunities—will be ready to share very soon. Stay tuned!

A huge thank you to all our members for taking meaningful action to support the women in your organisations and across the wider construction sector. Together, we can create real, lasting change."

TrailblazHer Awards

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:39:27 GMT

"On Thursday 6th November, we had the privilege of attending the TrailblazHER™ at TU Dublin Awards.

While we didn’t take home an award, we left feeling incredibly inspired. Being surrounded by so many phenomenal women, each with their own powerful story, was truly motivating.

The passion, resilience, and impact shared in that room reminded us exactly why we do what we do at Women in Construction Ireland. We’re heading home with a renewed fire to keep pushing boundaries and supporting more women to thrive in this industry."

CIOB Awards 2025

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 10:58:28 GMT

Recognition for WICI at the CIOB Ireland Awards. We’re proud to share that WICI’s work was recognised last night at the The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Ireland Awards, with Joanne White receiving the CIOB Open Recognition Award for her leadership and dedication.

This award highlights the importance of raising awareness and providing meaningful support for women in construction, support that can often be the difference between staying in our industry or leaving it. We’re incredibly grateful to the CIOB for this recognition, and even more inspired after connecting with so many passionate individuals last night, both women and men, who are committed to driving positive change.

A heartfelt thank you to Quigg Golden for sponsoring the award, and to Minister James Lawless and Ola Obadara for presenting it. Their powerful speeches highlighted just how amazing and vital our construction industry is and why continued progress and inclusion matter more than ever.

Let’s keep the momentum going and continue to build an industry where women are supported, celebrated, and empowered."

Welcome to our new members

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 09:32:06 GMT

“We’re excited to welcome both our new and existing members of Women in Construction Ireland!

It’s fantastic to see companies from across the industry joining us. We have members including contractors, engineers, mechanical & electrical contractors, consultancies and more, who are stepping up to support women in construction.

A huge thank you to all our members for putting words into action and taking meaningful steps to create a more inclusive industry.

Interested in getting involved? You can find our membership proposal on our website (https://www.wici.ie/membership) and sign-up details are here �� https://forms.gle/jZ67RCj37dfaAMKz8

There is €100 off membership until the end of September 2025!”

Dundalk Networking August 2025

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 07:10:42 GMT

“On Thursday 21st August we were delighted to host a networking event in Dundalk, bringing together female professionals from across the industry and from both sides of the border. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the event such a success.

Creating spaces like this is so important. Research shows that women working in male- dominated industries can often feel isolated, and opportunities to connect outside of the workplace play a key role in building support networks, sharing experiences, and fostering collaboration.

We hope that every woman in attendance left with at least one new professional connection, whether a peer or a potential collaborator, relationships that will support their work and help them thrive going forward.

That is the power of networking: not just exchanging details, but building meaningful connections that strengthen both individuals and the wider community.

Thank you to our Board Member Sonya Meekel for chatting with the women and sharing her experiences in different areas of the industry! We look forward to hosting more events like this in the future and continuing to create opportunities for people to connect, collaborate, and grow together.”

Women in Construction Awards 2025

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 14:31:26 GMT

Women in Construction Ireland attend the 2025 Women in Construction Awards

Our Founder & Director Joanne White and Strategic Advisor Amy Martin had the privilege of attending this years Women in Construction Awards — connecting with so many amazing women who are shaping the future of construction.

It was truly uplifting to see the strength, talent, and diversity of roles represented across the industry. From engineers to project managers, designers to site leaders — the room was full of powerful voices and stories.

Here’s to celebrating women in construction and continuing to break down barriers.

WICI – Strategic Advisor Announcement

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 12:31:25 GMT

Women in Construction Ireland is delighted to welcome Amy Martin as a Strategic Advisor.

With extensive experience in strategy development, governance, gender equality, and human rights, Amy will play a pivotal role in shaping the next phase of WICI’s growth. In her voluntary, non-executive capacity, Amy will work alongside the WICI team to formalise the organisation’s structures, expand its strategic impact, and build sustainable programmes to support women across the construction sector.

Currently an Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Partner at a major international construction and engineering company, Amy brings valuable industry insight into the challenges and opportunities facing women in construction today. Prior to moving into the construction sector, Amy spent over a decade in the legal industry, advising companies, charities, and social enterprises on corporate governance, employment, and equality matters. She also advocated for marginalised individuals through her human rights and pro bono legal work, helping to advance access to education, employment, and justice.

A passionate champion for gender equality, Amy has spent years mentoring women at all stages of their careers and is the author of See It, Be It: Twenty Irish Women, Twenty Inspiring Stories – a book created to raise awareness, celebrate women's achievements, and support charitable causes across Ireland.

In her role with WICI, Amy will:

• support WICI’s establishment as a formal social enterprise;

• assist with the development of a strategic plan to guide WICI’s growth over the next 3–5 years;

• strengthen WICI’s governance structures and stakeholder engagement;

• work with WICI to create new member programmes, offerings, and opportunities for women in the sector; and

• help drive greater gender representation, visibility, and support for women in construction.

Speaking on her appointment, Amy said:

"I am honoured to support Women in Construction Ireland as a Strategic Advisor.

Having experienced first-hand the realities of working in construction, I am deeply committed to advancing gender equality and supporting women to not just enter the sector, but to thrive and lead within it.

I am excited to help build the structures and strategies that will enable WICI to grow its impact, strengthen its community, and drive systemic change for women across Ireland’s construction industry.

The future is hers - let’s build it together!"

Joanne White, Founder of WICI, said:

"I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Amy on board with WICI as a Strategic Advisor. While I’m deeply passionate about many things—especially supporting women in construction—I can admit that business strategy isn’t my strongest suit. That’s why having Amy with us is such a powerful step forward. Her expertise will help take WICI from strength to strength, enabling us to support even more women and companies in Ireland’s construction industry."

New Member - John Paul Construction

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 08:29:01 GMT

John Paul Construction the latest company to join WICI!

We’re delighted to welcome John Paul Construction—one of Ireland’s leading construction companies—to the Women in Construction Ireland network!

It’s always exciting to see industry leaders taking meaningful steps toward building a more inclusive and diverse construction sector. John Paul Construction has shown a clear commitment to driving positive change and supporting more women to thrive across all areas of the industry.

The team at John Paul Construction brings real influence and momentum to this mission, and we’re proud to have them on board. We look forward to working together to create real impact over the coming year and beyond.

New Member - Mercury Engineering

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 07:42:49 GMT

Mercury Engineering joins WICI as a member!

Women in Construction Ireland are thrilled to have Mercury Engineering joining us as a member of WICI.

It's always fantastic to see companies taking real steps toward a more inclusive construction industry. A huge welcome to our newest member of Women in Construction Ireland - Mercury Engineering. Mercury Engineering are clear in their need to grow their team and are actively encouraging more women into the sector.

The construction industry thrives on diversity, and it's inspiring to see businesses making meaningful efforts to create opportunities for women at all levels. We look forward to seeing the positive impact we can make together over the next 12 months. Let’s keep pushing for change! ��

New Member - Vision Contracting

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 14:35:25 GMT

Vision Contracting the latest company to join WICI as a member

Women in Construction Ireland are delighted to have Vision Contracting joining us as a member of WICI. We look forward to working with them over the next year and making some positive changes together!

Their HR department was one of the first to reach out to us when we launched, wanting to know more about the company, the services we provided and wanting to get involved, which shows how determined they are to support their female employees.

Rachel Murphy, HR Manager with Vision Contracting, shared her thoughts: "We are delighted to join Women in Construction in Ireland (WICI) and further support the incredible hardworking women within our business. There has long been a need for an initiative like this, and it’s fantastic to see Joanne bring it to life, creating a valuable network for women working in construction across Ireland."

International Womens Day 2025

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 20:21:10 GMT

IWD 2025 - CIF Magazine

This International Women’s Day, the theme is hashtag #AccelerateAction— because awareness isn’t enough. My recent interview with Construction Industry Federation (CIF) highlighted the incredible work we are undertaking with Women in Construction Ireland (WICI), but also the urgent need for real, lasting change in our industry.

WICI is about supporting women in construction, of course—but let’s be clear: the changes we’re calling for will benefit everyone. A more inclusive, supportive, and equitable industry isn’t just good for women; it’s good for all employees, all businesses, and the future of construction itself.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not one to say no to a free lunch, but we need more than a free lunch or a single day of recognition. Women in construction—and all workers—need:

✅ Policies that drive equity

✅ Support systems that retain talent

✅ Opportunities to lead and thrive

Too many people, particularly women, still face barriers, bias, and burnout in an industry that should be building careers, not breaking them. Recognition is a start, but action—real, structural, measurable action—is what will make a difference.

Let’s not wait another year to have the same conversation. Let’s #AccelerateAction today.

Link to the article here: https://www.flipsnack.com/cifconstruction/cif-construction-magazine-march-2025/full-view.html?p=80

Construct and Connect Breakfast - Dublin Edition

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 20:13:49 GMT

First WICI breakfast morning a huge success!

Absolutely incredible morning at the networking event in Dublin on 13th January 2025. It was amazing to see so many like-minded individuals in one room. A huge thank you to Natalie Ryan from The Lighthouse Charity for her insightful discussion on the services available to women in the industry.

When we started Women in Construction in Ireland (WICI) , all we knew was that we wanted to help; to help ensure women were heard, and ensure they were being encouraged and supported. One woman at the event in Dublin approached us and thanked us for organising it—she’s the only woman in her company and felt the event was exactly what she needed. She said it made her day easier, and to us, that’s what these networking events are all about.

We may not be able to improve the industry overnight, but we can certainly support one another. Thank you to everyone who attended! Galway and Dundalk are next on the list, let me know if you're interested in coming!

New Supporter - Suir Engineering

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 11:33:14 GMT

Suir Engineering the latest company to join Women in Construction Ireland

Women in Construction Ireland is delighted to announce S uir Engineering as our newest company Supporter. This marks a fantastic start to 2025, and we couldn’t be more excited to begin the year with such an inspiring partnership.

SUIR Engineering offer integrated mechanical, electrical, and fire protection services and as a company they are joining us in our mission to promote and support women in the construction sector.

We look forward to working with Suir Engineering in the coming months!

"Not Just for Boys" - Business Plus Magazine Interview

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 09:17:40 GMT

Not Just for Boys

Thrilled to be featured in Business Plus Magazine's latest article discussing how the construction industry is 'not just for boys'!

It’s amazing to be part of a movement that’s breaking barriers and encouraging more women to step into an industry that’s been traditionally male-dominated. There is so much potential for growth, innovation, and change when we bring diverse voices to the table! And as I keep harping on about, the opportunities for women in our industry is endless, as this piece again highlights.

On a lighter note, yes, while I may be a grown-up, I still do what mammy says! So when she gave me this pink PPE for my birthday, I couldn't resist wearing it for the photo shoot—even though we all know it's definitely not up to code - it was purely fun!

To all the incredible women out there—let's keep building, breaking stereotypes, and paving the way for future generations in construction!

Link to the interview here: https://businessplus.ie/interviews/irish-women-male-dominated-roles/

Galway Women in Construction Event

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 10:19:39 GMT

Keynote Speaker at the Future Building Women in Construction Event in Galway!

I had the privilege of speaking at the Women in Construction event in Galway, held by Future Building on Tuesday 3rd December 2024, where I shared insights and inspiration with an incredible group of women eager to break into the construction industry.

It was amazing to see so many talented, passionate individuals who are ready to challenge stereotypes, innovate, and pave the way for the next generation of leaders in construction.

I spoke about the many diverse opportunities our industry has to offer and how no two days, never mind no two projects are ever the same! My message was clear: Construction needs more women! From project management to engineering, design, and beyond, there’s a place for every skill set and every passion.

Thanks to Alan Brady of Future Building for having me and I look forward to many more events like it in the future!

Breakfast Network Event - Thursday 13th February 2025

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 16:03:47 GMT

WICI's first Breakfast Networking Event!

�� Save the Date! ��

Following the success we had at our Launch in Sept 2024, we are excited to announce that Women in Construction in Ireland (WICI) will be hosting our first-ever Breakfast Event in Dublin City on February 13th, 2025! ��

This event is open to everyone – not just companies who are WICI members already – and offers a fantastic opportunity for women in the construction industry to connect, share experiences, and be inspired. ��

Event Details:

�� Date: 8am - 10am February 13th, 2025

�� Location: Dublin City (Exact venue to be confirmed)

�� Cost: A nominal fee to cover room hire, food, and refreshments.

�� For Members: If your company is a member of Women in Construction Ireland, your ticket may included in their membership! Please contact your company representative to confirm whether they are a member and if so, do thy have any tickets left for the event, as they get a number included in their membership.

We are also looking for sponsors to help us host more events across different locations, bringing together even more women in the industry! If you're interested in supporting or attending, get in touch with us on joanne@wici.ie.

Let’s come together, support each other, and continue to empower women in construction! ��✨ Tickets available at the following link:

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/women-in-construction-ireland-construct-connect-breakfast-edition-tickets-1107118103049?aff=oddtdtcreator

Canadian Association of Women in Construction

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 15:52:36 GMT

WICI visits Canada!

It was an honour to be in a room with so many amazing women when WICI recently visited Toronto, Canada in October 2024. CAWIC - Canadian Association of Women in Construction are making amazing strides in supporting and motivating women in construction in Canada. Hopefully this is something Women in Construction in Ireland (WICI) can achieve in the years to come in Ireland. We are really looking forward to implementing some of the ideas we shared when we met.

New Champion - Designer Group

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 11:13:10 GMT

Designer Group a Champion of Women in Construction Ireland

Designer Group has officially become a Champion of Women in Construction Ireland (WICI), reinforcing their commitment to promoting greater female participation, equity and diversity within the construction industry. Designer Group recognises the importance of a culture that supports, recognises and values all as key drivers of success. They are fully committed to providing an environment where people can thrive and avail of opportunity regardless of gender, and believe that a diverse workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall performance.

By partnering with WICI, Designer Group aims to realise their D,E & I ambitions. WICI and founder Joanne are so excited to work alongside Designer Group to continue shaping a more diverse, equitable future for the sector.

TAKE OUR 2024 WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION SURVEY

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 16:13:06 GMT

WICI LAUNCH

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 14:27:17 GMT

Women in Construction Ireland (WICI), a new consultancy organisation dedicated to empowering women in the construction industry, celebrated its launch on Thursday, 26 September, 2024, at Peggy’s on the Green in Dublin.

The event, attended by key figures from across the construction sector, generated significant industry support for WICI’s mission to bridge the industry’s skills gap and foster a more gender-balanced workforce.

Women in Construction Ireland

WICI will provide tailored programs and resources to support construction companies in attracting, retaining, and empowering female employees. Through these initiatives, WICI aims to create a more inclusive and dynamic industry environment.

“The construction industry offers a rewarding and exciting career path for women,” said Joanne White, founder of WICI.

An exciting announcement

The launch event commenced with a welcome speech made by Joanne and continued with a special announcement detailing WICI’s upcoming initiatives. One of these initiatives includes a new podcast, Women ‘In Construction’, produced by Caoimhe Scully of iProperty Radio and sponsored by Future Cast and Industry 4.0 Skillnet. Joanne will be inviting female construction professionals from across the industry to join in the conversation on 09 November.

Join the WICI movement

Women in Construction Ireland encourages all construction companies and individuals passionate about building a more inclusive industry to get involved.