In Australia, the construction industry is traditionally very male dominated, with only 24% of the workforce identifying as female. (WGEA, May 2024) However, initiatives like our Habitat Women program are changing the landscape by empowering women to engage in construction and develop essential skills, meaning women leave the program feeling confident, supported and motivated to build a more equal future. One of these women is Elizabeth, a recent participant who spoke of her experiences and the impact of the program on her life and career aspirations.
Elizabeth had a diverse career before joining Habitat Women. She worked in communications and marketing for another charity for several years and before this was a piano teacher. Despite her varied experiences, Elizabeth was drawn to Habitat Women because of her love for working with her hands, making things, and using tools. She discovered the program through an ad on Facebook and decided to apply, finding it to be an opportunity too good to pass up.
Elizabeth’s experience with Habitat Women has been overwhelmingly positive. She describes the program as empowering, inspiring, and fun. One of the aspects she appreciates most is the supportive and encouraging environment created by both the staff and her peers. Elizabeth feels the program allows her to be herself and express her creativity whilst learning new skills.
“Honestly, I think my favourite thing is, is the people and just being able to come in and be myself and everyone is so encouraging and supportive and that has been really, really nice.”
Elizabeth
The Habitat Women program is designed to be inclusive and accessible to women of all skill levels. Elizabeth stated “its really good for all skill levels, I think most people could come in and find something they’re really good at”, which she believes fosters a sense of achievement and confidence. For Elizabeth, the program has been a platform to explore various construction skills, broadening her horizons and opening numerous possibilities for her future.
Whilst she does not have a clear career direction yet, the skills Elizabeth has acquired through Habitat Women have given her the confidence to explore different opportunities in construction and related fields. She is optimistic about her future and the potential to pursue a career that aligns with her new found passions and interests.
The Habitat Women program is making significant strides in empowering women in the construction industry. Elizabeth’s story is a testament to the program’s ability to inspire and equip women with the skills needed to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her journey highlights the importance of such initiatives in fostering diversity and inclusion within the industry whilst not sugarcoating the hardships and difficulties the women may face once they’re in the workforce, but rather offering them the support and skills they will need to succeed.
Elizabeth encourages other women who are considering joining the Habitat Women program to take the leap and sign up. She believes that the program offers valuable experiences and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
If you want to apply for the Habitat Women program and are ready build a new future for yourself fill out the application form here, or head to our website for more information
About Habitat Women
Habitat Women was established in 2022 as a social enterprise increase workforce participation of women in the building and maintenance industry. Women make up only 11% of the total industry workforce. Our program aims to increase female participation within the construction sector by providing women who face barriers to employment with training and career support to pave a pathway into the construction industry, and experience through our social enterprise – Habitat Women Maintenance.
This program will aim to:
•Empower women to gain access and find employment in the maintenance and repairs sector
•Partner with value-aligned partners to repair and maintain existing housing stock
•Increase the diversity of skills offered by women in the construction industry, and
•Generate an income for reinvestment into Habitat Women and Habitat for Humanity Australia’s other important programs.
Habitat Women is part of the international organisation Habitat for Humanity Australia.