New report sees a dozen women from around the world share their construction industry journeys to help shape a more inclusive future.
The third Women in Construction report brings together the candid experiences of 12 global leaders who are reshaping the built environment and offers a timely reflection on how far the industry has come and the work that still lies ahead.
The report highlights that giving space to women’s voices is not a symbolic exercise; it is a small but practical step toward change. Richard Steer, chair of Gleeds Worldwide, said: “While progress has been made and the number of women embarking upon roles in construction continues to increase, advancement remains uneven and slower than the industry needs to see. Longstanding misconceptions persist and dismantling them requires sustained effort and honesty.”
Women in Construction 2026 brings together the perspectives of a dozen women working across the global construction landscape. Each of their contributions offers insight into how they built their careers, the obstacles they encountered and the achievements that matter most to them – often earned in environments where recognition was hard won.
Richard Steer added: “I’ve been working in this industry for over four decades, and in that time I’ve seen firsthand the positive influence women have had on it, not by contorting themselves to fit in, but by reshaping the sector and ultimately, improving our offering. The conversations captured in this report reflect that reality. They are grounded accounts from women who have navigated complexity, led teams, solved problems and built credibility in a sector that is evolving.”
The report does more than document individual challenges and successes. It also disrupts the narrow assumptions about who construction is for and how progress is made within it. By setting out what is possible, the stories contained in the report creates visibility where it has been lacking, offering reassurance, challenge and direction to those considering a future in the built environment.
Click here to download the Women in Construction 2026 report.
