Women making waves in water

The water and wastewater sectors are transforming as women are leading the charge with innovation, inclusion, and impact.

The civil engineering industry has long been characterised by its male-dominated workforce, particularly in the water and civil infrastructure sectors. However, Eire Constructions is at the forefront of a transformative movement supporting female participation in this vital sector. Eire proudly has 15.1 per cent of women in the organisation, with their leadership team made up of 28 per cent women, all of whom balance family commitments and work. They authentically embrace and embed a culture of working as a female in leadership and help drive Eire’s family values culture. By implementing flexible work arrangements, providing high-quality training and advancement opportunities, and ensuring all sites are equipped with female-friendly facilities, Eire is not just promoting gender equality, but setting the standard.

Creating an inclusive environment for women in water

At the heart of Eire Constructions’ strategy is the commitment to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes women into the workforce. This commitment is reflected in the professional workplace, which is supported by a robust Code of Conduct, values and clear expectations. Another example is the infrastructure of their job sites, where all facilities are designed with the needs of all employees in mind. Dedicated female bathrooms provide a sense of comfort and safety while demonstrating a tangible acknowledgment of the unique requirements of women in the water and civil construction industry.

Rochelle Foran, a Project Manager working on a significant government project in the Mid-North Coast, emphasised the importance of these facilities.

“Having access to female-friendly facilities makes a big difference,” she said. “It’s about more than just convenience; it’s about fostering a workplace culture that truly supports diversity.”

Flexible work arrangements

Recognising that many women juggle multiple responsibilities, Eire offers flexible work arrangements to accommodate varying schedules. This flexibility is essential in attracting and retaining female talent, allowing employees to balance their professional aspirations with personal commitments.

Amy Sullivan, Communications and Marketing Specialist, spoke about her experience with flexibility in her role.

“The ability to adjust my hours has been a game-changer,” said Sullivan. “It allows me to manage my role responsibilities while being present with my family. Eire understands that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work, especially for women who often bear a greater share of caregiving responsibilities.”

Comprehensive training and advancement opportunities

Education and professional development are critical components of Eire Constructions’ mission to empower women in the industry. The company provides high-quality training programs that equip female employees with the skills necessary to excel in their roles and advance their careers. This commitment to professional growth benefits the individual and strengthens the whole organisation.

“I’ve seen firsthand how these initiatives help build confidence and competence among my colleagues at our recent leaders conference,” said Foran.

Policies for gender equality

Eire Constructions has established specific policies to reinforce gender equality across all levels of the organisation. These include Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) initiatives, comprehensive sexual harassment policies, and anti-bullying measures. Training sessions focused on these topics ensure that all employees understand the importance of maintaining a respectful and supportive workplace culture.

Head of HR and Recruitment Sophie Smith emphasises that these policies are not just words on paper but are actively enforced and supported.

“The training on EEO and anti-harassment policies has opened up conversations that might not have happened otherwise,” Smith said. “It’s empowering to know that we have a clear framework to address any issues that may arise. This culture of accountability helps everyone feel safe.”

A step towards paid parental leave

As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting female employees, Eire Constructions is embarking on the establishment of a Paid Parental Leave policy. This initiative is crucial in providing employees, particularly women, with the financial stability and support needed during a pivotal time in their lives.

“Implementing a Paid Parental Leave policy would be a significant milestone for Eire and women in construction,” said Smith. “It shows that the company values everyone’s contributions and understands balancing work and family challenges. This support can make a huge difference in attracting and retaining female talent.”

The future of female participation in construction and women in water

Eire Constructions is making strides in the water and civil infrastructure industry and paving the way for a more equitable future in civil construction. By focusing on flexibility, training and supportive policies, they create a roadmap for other companies.

Eire Constructions proudly aligns itself with the wider women in construction community as an active member of The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). This partnership underscores the company’s commitment to promoting gender diversity within the industry. By engaging with the NAWIC, Eire contributes to initiatives that advocate for women’s representation and leadership in construction and gains access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and professional development programs. This collaboration empowers female employees at Eire to connect with like-minded professionals, share experiences, and inspire one another, reinforcing the collective mission of creating a more inclusive construction industry.

Eire also supports the NSW Government’s “Hard Work Knows No Gender” campaign, as they agree that greater representation of women in construction has been shown to decrease aggressive behaviour and bullying, improve attention to detail at work, promote different perspectives and ideas, improve communication, cause fewer accidents and injuries.

As Foran says, “It’s exciting to be part of a company that is genuinely committed to fostering diversity. We are not just building infrastructure; we are building a community where everyone can thrive. The more women we can bring into this industry, the richer our projects will be, and the better we’ll serve our communities.”

Eire Constructions exemplifies how a proactive approach to gender equality can transform the construction landscape. By supporting female participation through thoughtful policies and practices, the company is enhancing its workforce and contributing to a more inclusive and innovative industry.

For more information, visit eirecon.com.au