Celebrating Women Breaking Barriers in Male-Dominated Industries

Shaping the Future in Male-Dominated Industries: Celebrating International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of women’s achievements, contributions and efforts toward breaking down barriers. While many industries have historically been dominated by men, more and more women are paving the way for others and achieving remarkable success. This IWD, we celebrate women in traditionally male-dominated industries, specifically in the construction, trade and mining sectors. Here, we spotlight the inspiring women from companies we’re proud to work with, as they share their stories and advice.

Meet some of our community of Women in Construction and those women in male-dominated industries have something to say!

CRA Construction

Kim Allen is the CEO, co-owner and founder of CRA Construction, a company operating in the construction sector. Kim’s leadership in a predominantly male industry is a testament to her dedication, vision and resilience. When asked what advice she would give to women entering a male-dominated field, she encouraged women to remain authentic and confident. “That it is ok to be your unapologetic self, find your confidence and allow your voice to shine,” said Kim.

Kim’s belief in embracing one’s true self is crucial in building self-confidence and a successful career in industries that often overlook women. It is important to own your space and voice, especially when you’re navigating sectors that may not always see you as a leader. On how CRA Construction will be celebrating IWD, Kim shared that the women from the CRA team will attend the Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC) IWD event. This event is not just a celebration of the women in the industry but a reminder that their success is built on persistence, hard work and breaking boundaries. “We proudly celebrate our success in this male-dominated industry,” Kim added.

Lindsay Australia

Pauline Eccles, EA to the CEO & COO at Lindsay Australia, also works in a male-dominated industry. Her advice to women who want to thrive in such fields echoes Kim’s sentiments about breaking barriers. Pauline emphasised the unique challenges but also the incredible opportunities that come with being one of the few women in these spaces. “Working in a male-dominated field can present unique challenges, but it’s also an opportunity to break barriers and pave the way for others,” said Pauline.

Pauline’s words speak to the heart of IWD—creating a legacy of empowerment for women who follow in the footsteps of those who challenge the status quo. Lindsay Australia will celebrate IWD with a series of morning teas at their offices across Australia and some of their team members will attend IWD breakfasts to further honour the accomplishments of women everywhere.

Oxworks

Oxworks is a company that stands out for its inclusive culture, with women holding prominent roles across multiple sectors of the business, from office administration to design and management. Oxworks believes in empowering individuals, regardless of gender, to contribute based on their skills, knowledge and expertise. Their advice to women entering traditionally male-dominated roles encourages proactive participation and innovative thinking. “Give it a go. It is the individual and their ability, skill, knowledge and attention to detail that benefit a role,” said Maggie and Melissa from Oxworks. “From our experience, females tend to proactively and positively contribute toward ‘out of the box thinking,’ attention to detail, and time management.” At Oxworks, the female presence across multiple roles highlights the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. On IWD, they are arranging a special celebration to honour the contributions of women in their workplace and industry.

Taipan

Stephanie Sherwood, Receptionist and Admin Assistant at Taipan, has valuable advice for women in any industry, not just male-dominated ones. Her perspective highlights the importance of confidence and authenticity in every professional interaction. “Honestly, it’s the same advice I’d give anyone working in any industry: confidence is key! Be confident in who you are and believe you’re an equal to the person you’re dealing with,” said Stephanie. “People appreciate authenticity, and if you lead with that, it builds trust and sets the tone for your future interactions.”

Stephanie’s words are a powerful reminder that confidence doesn’t come from conforming to the industry but from embracing one’s unique qualities and showing up authentically in every aspect of work life.

Empowering Women in Construction and Women in male-dominated industries

As Red Roo Australia continues to partner with organisations like Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC), the journey toward equality becomes clearer. AWIC’s mission is to support and inspire women in all facets of the construction industry. Their upcoming International Women’s Day luncheon promises to be a celebration of the strength, courage and resilience of women in construction.

Amanda from AWIC shares her thoughts on the event: “The luncheon is all about coming together as a community and networking. It’s a great day for the industry to come together and with over 500 people attending, it’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate women who have broken the mould.” At the event, attendees will not only celebrate individual achievements but will also encourage future generations of women to take on leadership roles in construction and beyond.

Celebrating Women and creating change as we reflect on this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women from companies like CRA Construction, Lindsay Australia, Oxworks, Taipan, and AWIC. These women are not just working in male-dominated industries—they are reshaping these fields with their talents, hard work and unwavering confidence.

This IWD, let’s honour the achievements of women, recognise the barriers they’ve broken, and continue to support future generations of women who will continue to challenge expectations, innovate, and lead the way in industries that once seemed impossible to enter. Here’s to all the women who are making a difference—today and every day.

Want to learn more about AWIC then head here or if you want to learn more about our team and how we work then head here.