Building Balance: Advancing Gender Equality in Construction

At the heart of the UKREiiF 2025 conference, a powerful conversation took place: Building Balance: Advancing Gender Equality in Construction. Chaired by Rt Hon Justine Greening of The Purpose Coalition on behalf of Curtins, this session wasn’t just a panel it was a call to action. With voices from across the construction and social value sectors, including Michele Steel of Regeneration Brainery, Mona Hassan of Gleeds, Jon Moister and Rhiannon Carss of Curtins, the discussion centered on embedding equality into the very foundation of our industry. 

One of the clearest takeaways was that gender equality cannot be an afterthought or a side project — it must be central to how we design, build, and lead in construction. This is not about box-ticking. As panellists from Curtins passionately stated, it reflects the values of who we are. It’s about creating a future workforce and industry culture that is more diverse, dynamic, and equitable. 

Curtins, in particular, underscored how their approach is rooted in authenticity and care. From engaging in national policy through The Purpose Coalition to taking tangible steps in-house, their commitment is transforming ideals into action. 

The conversation turned to how structural change can begin early — even in the classroom. Curtins is pioneering a Teacher Placement Programme that partners not only with higher and further education institutions, but also with primary school teachers. By working with educators and families, they aim to dismantle outdated perceptions of construction as a male-dominated career path and inspire girls to see themselves in the industry. 

Policy change is equally crucial. Through their collaboration with The Purpose Coalition, Curtins is influencing government thinking and pushing for initiatives that diversify the future workforce. This partnership is helping set a precedent for what’s possible when industry and policy align with purpose. 

Gender equality in construction must span all life stages and this includes better support for midlife and older women. Curtins is leading the way in addressing menopause in the workplace, leading national roundtables and advocating for inclusive policies that ensure women don’t face barriers at any stage of their careers. 

Physical inclusion was another key topic, with Curtins participating in the creation of new BSI standards for inclusive PPE — ensuring that safety gear fits all bodies, not just male defaults. They are also working to improve menstruation-related hygiene facilities on site, a long-overlooked issue that significantly impacts women’s experiences in construction roles. 

Throughout the session, one theme resonated loudly: collaboration. This is not a challenge any single business can tackle alone. The panel called for unity across the sector to share ideas, learn from each other, and hold each other accountable. There’s a collective responsibility to dismantle barriers and build a more inclusive future. 

As the conversation closed, the message was clear: achieving gender equality in construction is not just a moral imperative, it’s essential for the industry's growth and sustainability. By embedding equity into policies, practices, and pipelines, we’re not only opening doors but reshaping the blueprint of construction itself.