Social Enterprise
At Women in Construction Ireland (WICI), we are proud to operate as a social enterprise—a business model that prioritises social impact over profit. Our mission is to foster a more inclusive and equitable construction industry by supporting women at every stage of their careers and assisting companies in achieving gender balance within their workforce.
What Is a Social Enterprise?
A social enterprise is an organisation that applies commercial strategies to maximize improvements in human and environmental well-being. Unlike traditional businesses, profits generated by social enterprises are reinvested into achieving their social objectives rather than being distributed to shareholders. In Ireland, social enterprises play a crucial role in addressing societal challenges by delivering goods and services that benefit communities.
Our Social Mission
WICI is dedicated to dismantling the barriers that women face in the construction industry, including gender bias, lack of mentorship, and limited access to career advancement opportunities. We offer tailored support to companies through:
- Guest Speaking and Workshops: Facilitating knowledge sharing and raising awareness on key issues affecting women in construction.
- Mentorship Programme: Connecting women with industry leaders for guidance and support.
- Advocacy: Collaborating with industry organisations to promote gender equality through podcasts, interviews, social media use among many other avenues.
By reinvesting our resources into these initiatives, we aim to create a supportive environment where women can thrive in construction roles, from apprenticeships to leadership positions.
Our Vision for the Future
As a pioneering social enterprise, Women in Construction Ireland (WICI) is committed to transforming the construction industry into a place where women are supported, valued, and able to thrive all the way to leadership.
We envision a future where women in construction have the connections, confidence, and opportunities they need to stay in the industry and progress in their careers. Through our mentoring programmes, we will help women navigate challenges, develop professionally, and realise their ambitions. Our networking initiatives will bring women together within their regions and across the country, building strong, lasting relationships that foster collaboration and mutual support.
Education will be at the heart of our work, but always grounded in robust, evidence-based research. By conducting and sharing research, we will provide reliable, data-driven insights to guide our initiatives, influence industry practices, and shape policy.
WICI’s vision is simple yet ambitious: to create an Ireland where women in construction are not the exception, but the norm, where talent is recognised, opportunities are equal, and every woman has the support to succeed.
Interested in our services? We’re here to help!
We want to know your needs exactly so that we can provide the perfect solution. Let us know what you want and we’ll do our best to help.