The 2026 International Women’s Day message, “Give To Gain”, highlights the power of sharing opportunities, knowledge and support to create meaningful progress for women across the construction industry.
It is a message that strongly resonates across arete Australia and Kane Constructions, where inclusive teams, shared learning and mutual support are essential to how we work.
To mark the occasion, we asked our team members to reflect on their experiences as women in the construction industry, what it takes to create fair and equitable workplaces, and how we can encourage more young women to consider a career in construction.
Team members reflected on the strong sense of camaraderie across project teams and the importance of creating workplaces where people feel included, heard, supported and confident in their roles. Many spoke about the value of working in environments where individuals feel safe to speak up, knowing their voice will be heard and respected.
Others highlighted the rewarding nature of a career in construction, the opportunity to work with great people, collaborate as a team and see ideas become built form.
Importantly, conversations throughout the events reinforced that progress is a collective effort. Creating a more balanced and inclusive industry requires everyone to be part of the conversation, with men and women working together to challenge outdated norms, share opportunities and support the next generation entering construction.
Encouraging more young women to consider careers in construction also remains an important part of building a more diverse industry. Connecting with schools and communities and sharing the breadth of exciting and rewarding career pathways available, will help inspire future generations to see construction as an industry where they can belong and succeed.
arete and Kane are proud to support conversations and initiatives that strengthen the industry, create more inclusive workplaces and help ensure everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
