As International Women’s Day 2026 calls for measurable progress on gender equity, this third Women in Construction special report brings together the candid experiences of 12 leaders reshaping the built environment — offering a timely reflection on how far the industry has come, and the work that still lies ahead.
When the first Women in Construction special report was published in partnership with Assemble Media Group, its aim was to document and amplify the experiences of women leading change across the built environment.
The response to that first edition confirmed there was both an appetite and a need for these stories to be told, so I am incredibly proud to be able to introduce this third collection for 2026.
Giving space to women’s voices is not a symbolic exercise; it is a small but practical step toward change.
While progress has been made and the number of women embarking upon roles in construction continues to increase, advancement remains uneven and slower than one would have hoped to see. Longstanding misconceptions persist, and dismantling them requires sustained effort and honesty.
This new edition for 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.
>> Download the Women in Construction 2026 special report <<
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 book 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.
Taken together, these perspectives do more than document individual challenges and successes. They disrupt the narrow assumptions about who construction is for and how progress is made within it. By setting out what is possible, they create visibility where it has been lacking – offering reassurance, challenge, and direction to those considering a future in the built environment.
Melinda Gates, philanthropist, put it well when she said, “When women do better, economies do better. Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a prosperous world.”
This third edition is both a record of the achievements of these 12 impressive people and a reflection of gradual, meaningful change on the wider stage. My thanks go to everyone who contributed their time and perspectives – by sharing their journeys so openly, they will help shape a more inclusive future.
Richard Steer is the chair of Gleeds Worldwide
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