I have been to enough women in construction events now to know they are full of energy, inspiration, and connection.
I have also noticed something else. They are often full of women.
Now before anyone takes that the wrong way, hear me out. These events are brilliant for creating a safe space to share experiences and celebrate wins. But if we want real change in the industry, we have to bring men into that space too.
Because like it or not, men still hold most of the decision-making power on sites, in boardrooms, and in hiring. Leaving them out of the conversation is like trying to build a house without half the tools in your kit.
Where the penny dropped
This came up when I was talking with Jasmyn and Logan from The Go Company on our podcast. These two sparkies have put in the hard yards. They have been “the first female in the business” more times than they can count, and they know the culture challenges that come with that.
They now make on-site packs designed for female tradies, and part of their mission is to raise awareness among men about why these things matter.
“Do we need to have more men at Women in Construction events so they can understand women more, and what is being spoken about” I asked them.
Their answer was immediate. Yes.
What happens when men show up
At one of their early launch events, Jasmyn and Logan brought in a women’s health expert. No sugar-coating. No vague hints. Just clear, practical explanations of the challenges women face on site.
“We actually asked her specific questions that made her make men understand why we needed these packs on site,” Jasmyn told me. “We had so many men come after and say, ‘We had no idea.’”
That is the point. Most blokes do not know. Not because they do not care, but because no one has ever put it in front of them in a way that clicks.
Why builders need to lead this
If you run a building company, you already set the tone for your sites. You choose who your foremen are, you decide what facilities are installed, and you create the culture your teams work in.
You can either leave it to chance, or you can actively build a site where everyone can do their best work.
Here is why you should choose the second option:
- Retention: We have a skills shortage. Why make it harder for women to stay in the game
- Reputation: Clients notice how your teams work together. Respect on site builds trust with customers.
- Productivity: People do better work when they feel safe and respected. That is not a nice-to-have, it is basic business.
How to start
This is not about running a massive diversity program. It is about taking small, deliberate steps.
- Invite your supervisors and project managers to women in construction events.
- Bring in an expert for a toolbox talk.
- Make inclusivity part of your site setup.
- Follow up with action so people know you mean it.
The Good Builder view
We have built our brand on the belief that culture matters just as much as craftsmanship. That means builders cannot leave inclusion as “someone else’s problem.”
Male allies are not passengers in this journey. They are drivers.
If you are a builder who values good work, a strong reputation, and keeping the best people on your team, get in the room. Listen. Ask questions. Then go back to your site and make the changes that need making.
The Go Company is proving it works. The rest of us just have to show up.
If you like, I can now also write LinkedIn copy for you in your own voice that frames this as your personal take after interviewing Jasmyn and Logan, and links it to the earlier Breaking Barriers piece so it feels like part of the same conversation.
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