Building change together: celebrating women shaping the future of construction
Women in Construction Week, taking place from 1-7 March 2026, is dedicated to highlighting the importance of having a more diverse workforce and sharing inspiring stories. It is followed by International Women’s Day on Sunday 8 March, which is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action to accelerate women's equality.
Sadly, there is still a long way to go before we reach full equality in the UK construction industry. According to the most recent ONS workforce by industry data for the UK, only 34% of jobs in manufacturing, and 17% in construction, are held by women.
Here at Saint-Gobain Exterior Solutions (SGES), women make up 21% of our team and this number continues to rise every year. Today, women hold 25% of our leadership and specialist expert roles, helping shape the direction of our business with their experience and skill. We’re also proud that half of our management board are women, showing a clear commitment from the top and setting a benchmark for the future.
The timing of these events makes it even more poignant to report that we now have corporate membership of the Women in Business group, the largest female network in Northern Ireland with over 12,000 members.
As part of Women in Construction Week, we’ve spoken to women from across SGES. We wanted to not only showcase how they got into construction in the first place but also ask for their advice to other women looking to pursue a career in this very varied, creative and dynamic industry.
Jayne-Marie Maxwell – Operations Support Manager
I’ve grown my career by taking on new challenges, learning continuously, and stepping up when opportunities arose, progressing from administration into warehouse management and now operations management, all shaped by hands‑on experience, curiosity and a willingness to embrace new challenges.
My message to women is to believe in your abilities, stay curious, and trust that with confidence and resilience in a male‑dominated industry, there are no limits to what you can achieve.
Andrea Coade – Regional Sales Director
I fell into the industry after having my daughter and relocating back to my hometown in Cornwall, what began as a new opportunity quickly became a fast-paced, people-focused career that I’m genuinely passionate about. Supported by hard work, strong relationships, and the belief others placed in me I grew into a Regional Sales Director role.
My message to women is to be bold and confident and believe in yourself. There is absolutely a place for women here, and the industry is stronger when we bring diverse perspectives to the table.
Rhia Wetherall – Warehouse Operative
I discovered my passion for forklift driving after taking the chance to learn in a male‑dominated space, and with the support, training, and opportunities across Saint‑Gobain, I’ve been able to grow my skills, gain confidence, and build a career I’m genuinely proud of.
My message to women is to take the risks that move you forward, because no one else gets to define your potential, and often the jobs people say aren’t for us are exactly the ones we can thrive in.
Samantha Thompson – Finance Director
I was drawn to finance because I’ve always enjoyed analytical thinking, problem solving and understanding how organisations create value. My ACCA qualification served as a powerful foundation, but experience from different roles and industries, shaped my growth into senior leadership and ultimately into my role as Finance Director for Saint‑Gobain Exterior Solutions.
My message to women is to believe in your potential and don’t be afraid to step into spaces where you might initially feel out of place. Confidence grows through action. Seek out environments that value your voice, surround yourself with supportive people, and don’t underestimate the impact you can have as a woman in leadership.
Lauren McNevin – Development Chemist
I chose chemistry because a supportive teacher – Mr Rewt - encouraged me to believe I could do anything, and that confidence carried me into R&D, where applying skills like problem solving, communication, resilience, and teamwork has helped me grow with the support of knowledgeable colleagues and hands‑on learning.
My message to women is that there is nothing we cannot do, and any doubt about environments not being made for us should be dismissed because we are here, present, and we have every right to be.
Lauren Devenney - Development Chemist
I’ve always enjoyed science and problem solving, so studying chemistry felt like a natural path for me, and as I learned more, I found myself increasingly fascinated by materials science and how it explains the way things work in the real world.
My message to women is to never be afraid to take up space in male‑dominated environments, because your ideas and perspective are valuable, and your presence helps shape a better path for those who follow.
Gillian Hamilton – Quality and Environment Manager
From my own experience, I’d encourage women to go for it, because the construction industry is far broader than people often realise, with opportunities in HR, finance, purchasing, logistics, sales, operations, and quality & environment, not just traditional site or apprentice roles.
What I love most is the variety and the energy of the work, because no two days are ever the same and there is always something new to learn or get involved in.
Caroline Rowley – Business Development Director
I’ve always loved the buzz of a dynamic commercial environment, and after specialising in marketing and gaining hands‑on experience during my university placement, I was able to keep expanding my role, learning through new projects, training, and mentoring until I reached a position where I now create the strategy that drives business success.
My message to women is simple: don’t settle, because everyone deserves to love what they do, so keep learning, gaining experience, and find the people and environment that help you grow.
Wedi Shah – Senior Customer Service Executive
have been with the business 7.5 years, developing my skills through the training, mentorship and the support available, which has helped me grow into my customer service supervisory role. I have recently returned from maternity leave, and I’m grateful for the flexibility that’s helped me balance family life with a job I enjoy, being part of a team that puts our customers first and values the relationships we build.
To women thinking about a career in customer service, my message is to stay open to learning and trust that the right environment will support you to grow both personally and professionally, and remember - good customer service isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about being willing to help.
Donna McFadden – Operations Director
I have always been drawn to environments where things are made, improved and delivered with purpose, and moving into engineering felt natural because the fundamentals of manufacturing excellence, safety leadership, and building high‑performing teams are the same wherever you work.
My message to women is to be bold, and don’t let age, industry stereotypes nor outdated perceptions define what is possible. Your skills are more transferable than you think, reinvention is allowed and sometimes it’s exactly what reignites your passion!
Kathryn Douglas – Digital Marketing Manager
My journey into digital marketing started through a passion for storytelling, moving from media production into digital communication, where I learned how creativity and strategy connect. At SGES I’ve been trusted with responsibility, encouraged to take ownership of projects and given the space to bring new ideas forward which has led to proud milestones like being recognised as Emerging Talent – Young Marketer of the Year and a BMF Top 100 Young Achiever.
My message to women is to back yourself, have confidence in your ideas, and accept challenges. Taking on new challenges is how you learn, grow, and discover what you’re capable of.
Sally Rao – People and Purpose Director
From studying Business Studies, I became really interested in what makes an organisation work - how people and teams come together to deliver great results. I’ve been fortunate to have managers, coaches and mentors who challenged me, encouraged new approaches and gave me the confidence and support to grow.
My message to women is to stay ambitious, believe in your abilities and challenge self‑doubt whenever it creeps in, because confidence grows each time you push through it, especially when you surround yourself with people and networks who support your development.