International Women's Day 2025

Can you tell us a little about your career journey and what led (inspired) you to a role in HSE?

I graduated as a civil engineer and stepped into the construction industry early in my career. There’s something truly fascinating about bringing an idea from paper to reality—creating something that not only stands the test of time but also benefits people and future generations.

Throughout my journey, I’ve worked in various roles, from quality engineering to project management, and I’ve always loved the dynamic nature of construction—every day presents new challenges and opportunities. But while construction is about building, it also comes with risks, and not everyone gets to go home safely at the end of the day.

That reality struck a chord with me. My passion for the safety and well-being of operatives led me to pursue a career in Health & Safety. I truly believe in the duty of care we owe to one another, and for me, nothing is more fulfilling than knowing I play a role in ensuring someone gets home safely to their family. It’s not just a job; it’s a responsibility I carry with pride.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry, and how have you overcome them?

When I first started my career, there were very few women in construction, and as a result, it was not uncommon to face scepticism about my presence and capabilities in the field. It wasn’t necessarily ill-intentioned—many of my male colleagues simply weren’t used to seeing women in such roles. However, this sometimes led to challenges in earning the same level of respect and recognition.

I’ve always believed that these things take time, patience, and consistency. Instead of letting doubt discourage me, I focused on demonstrating my knowledge, contributing to discussions, and actively engaging with my colleagues. Over time, they got to know me not just as a professional but as a teammate, and my work began to speak for itself.

In some of my previous roles, I also noticed that workplace facilities and policies didn’t always account for women, simply because the industry wasn’t designed with us in mind. I took the initiative to raise these issues, and I was pleased to see that with open communication, positive changes were made.

To me, the key to overcoming these challenges has always been communication, professionalism, and resilience. Progress takes time, but by showing up, proving our value, and advocating for inclusivity, we help pave the way for more women to thrive in this industry.

What’s an achievement in your career that you’re particularly proud of?

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to many successful projects, from seeing a project through to completion to ensuring client satisfaction. However, one of the achievements I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve made within Joseph Gallagher in improving safety and overall well-being on site.

We have significantly reduced incident rates, which means more people are going home safely to their families. But beyond the numbers, what truly matters to me is the positive shift in culture—we have happier, more engaged teams on site, and I’ve built strong, meaningful relationships with operatives and staff over the years.

For me, success isn’t just about delivering projects; it’s about creating an environment where people feel valued, respected, and supported. Building that daily rapport with my colleagues, having a sense of trust, and knowing that my work contributes to a safer, better workplace is something I deeply appreciate. At the end of the day, seeing that positive change in the industry and in the people around me is what makes this journey so fulfilling.

What advice would you give to other women looking to pursue a career in SHEQ or construction?

My biggest advice to women looking to pursue a career in HSE or construction is to be passionate about what they do and truly love their job. Passion is what keeps you motivated, helps you push through challenges, and allows you to make a real impact.

It’s also important to be confident in your abilities and trust that your knowledge and skills are just as valuable as anyone else’s. Construction has traditionally been a male-dominated field, but that is changing, and women bring incredible perspectives, leadership, and problem-solving skills to the industry.

Never be afraid to speak up, ask questions, or challenge existing norms. Your voice matters, and advocating for safety and well-being is a responsibility that benefits everyone. Building strong relationships, staying open to learning, and continuously developing your expertise will also help you grow and thrive in this field.

Most importantly, believe in yourself. There is space for you in this industry, and your contributions will help shape a safer, more inclusive future for construction.

How can companies support and encourage women in the workplace?

Joseph Gallagher is a family-oriented company, which means there is a strong sense of inclusivity, and opportunities are based on skills, not gender. We have incredible female leaders across various departments who contribute significantly to the company’s success every day. The supportive environment here allows individuals to grow and flourish in their careers.

One of the key ways the company encourages women in the workplace is by providing opportunities for professional development. Various training programmes are available to help employees expand their skills and grow in areas they are passionate about. Additionally, creating a culture of transparency and ensuring that every employee—regardless of gender—feels valued and heard is essential in maintaining a workplace where everyone can thrive.

By continuing to invest in training, mentorship, and inclusive policies, companies like Joseph Gallagher can further empower women in the workplace and inspire the next generation of female leaders in construction.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the struggles women have faced for generations and the incredible progress made thanks to the courage and resilience of those who fought for equality. Women have been oppressed in many sectors for years, denied opportunities, rights, and recognition.

The origins of International Women’s Day date back to the early 20th century, when women across the world began demanding better working conditions, voting rights, and fair pay. One of the most significant milestones in the UK was the Representation of the People Act in 1918, which granted some women the right to vote after years of activism by the suffragettes. This was a turning point in the fight for gender equality, proving that collective action could bring real change.

I feel immense pride and deep respect for the women who came before us—those who fought against injustice and paved the way for the rights and opportunities we have today. Without their strength and determination, I wouldn’t be where I am now. Their legacy reminds me that we all have a role to play in shaping a better future.

For me, International Women’s Day is not only a celebration of progress but also a commitment to continue working toward true equality. It’s about ensuring that future generations inherit a world where opportunities are not defined by gender but by passion, talent, and determination.

Who has been a role model or inspiration for you in your career?

I haven’t had a specific role model in my career, but what has always driven me is my own inner passion to grow, succeed, and become independent. From the start, I’ve been motivated by a strong desire to challenge myself, climb the ladder, and continuously improve.

Rather than looking up to a particular person, I’ve been inspired by the idea of becoming the best version of myself—someone who is knowledgeable, resilient, and capable of making a difference. Every challenge I’ve faced has only strengthened my determination, and every achievement has fuelled my aspiration to keep pushing forward.

For me, success is about setting my own standards, staying committed to my goals, and proving to myself that I can overcome any obstacle. That internal drive has been my greatest source of inspiration.