14th Mar 2024

International Women’s Day: inspiring inclusion in the workplace

In her latest article for CIOB People, Joanna Kuzelewska, Senior Design Manager, shares her view of how inclusivity in construction has improved, and why there’s more work to be done.

On the occasion of International Women's Day, Joanna Kuzelewska, Senior Design Manager, wrote on inspiring inclusion in the workplace.

Joanna writes: "And with this year’s International Women’s Day focusing on ‘inspiring inclusion’ and investing in women to accelerate progress, there is no better time to reflect on my journey into the industry, the leaps and strides women have made to be heard, and how we must collectively continue to progress for the sector to become a fully inclusive environment for all.

"At my first job, 20 years ago, I had to travel to a nearby shopping centre just to access a female bathroom – a fitting indication of how few women there were in construction at the time."

She adds: "This was a particularly daunting feat having just moved from Poland to the UK, where I struggled to find a job initially but was determined to be part of a sector that I was – and remain – passionate about.

"I couldn’t be happier that those days are long gone – and it is difficult to picture a situation like that repeating itself."

Read the article in full via CIOB People.

International Women's Day 2024

  1. Celebrating International Women's Day with Lauren McCarthy

    16 Mar 2026

    Lauren McCarthy, Sustainability Manager on the Therme project, details her path into the industry, and the importance of sustainability in construction

    Read more about
  2. Celebrating International Women's Day with Anjana Raj

    09 Mar 2026

    Anjana Raj, Company Social Value Manager, details the benefit of social value to the industry, and how she’s leading the charge to bring about the next generation of construction professionals

    Read more about
  3. Supporting International Women's Day

    08 Mar 2026

    We celebrate the role women continue to play in shaping the future of the industry on the occasion of International Women's Day.

    Read more about

Latest news

  1. Sustainability Impact Report 2020-25

    24 Aug 2026

    Our five-year strategy records a 33% reduction in carbon emissions, £153m social return on investment and major advances in resource efficiency and responsible sourcing

    Read more about
  2. Supporting the National Theatre’s 50th anniversary

    10 Aug 2026

    The iconic theatre on London's South Bank was completed by us in 1976 and a free public installation is opening in October 2026 to commemorate its 50th anniversary

    Read more about
  3. Tolworth’s Tala Building progress delights stakeholders

    04 Aug 2026

    Local politicians were among those who joined tours of the new mental health facilities set to open in 2028

    Read more about
View all news