Three women on the Cracknell team have recently taken part or are about to take part at Women in Construction events in Dubai as Cracknell works to contribute to greater diversity and inclusion in the Middle East’s built environment sector.
With the average percentage of female staff in construction in the UAE being circa 30% there is much to do to address the balance. These events look at highlighting the progress and stumbling blocks around equality in the industry and how cultural issues can be addressed.
Marwa Ahmed (left), Senior Project Manager, was a panellist at the Construction Week Women in Construction Conference in October. She discussed ‘Attracting more young engineers and architects into the workplace’ with Swati Rokade, Associate at Godwin Austen Johnson (GAJ) and Tasneem Bakri, Assistant Manager – Operations, Alpin Limited. Marwa discussed how the construction environment is a tough one for all but as an on-site project manager, her experience is that a site that includes women is a healthier and more balanced work place. She discussed how the right environment is key to attracting and nurturing young female staff.
Madhu Rose (right), Senior Architect & Urban Designer, was a Finalist in the ‘Next Gen Women of the Year’ category at the Big5 Women in Construction event in September. Her nomination reflected her team-wide influence on raising presentation standards within the company and her ability to see the bigger picture as a project leader, bringing energy and passion, creativity and sensitivity to design.
And coming up on the 29th November, Head of CAD and BIM, Elena Salun (middle), will be talking as part of a panel discussion on ‘Implementing Equality & Diversity and the Strategies Proven to Work’ as part of Middle East Consultant’s Women in Construction Summit.
Far from ticking boxes, Cracknell focuses on nurturing an open working environment by being aware and honest about the challenges faced in the region and making investment towards a more balanced diversity spread. In collaborating and participating in open discussions and shared lessons, Cracknell hopes to help the sector work as a whole towards tangible change.
