Breaking Barriers with Habitat Women: A Graduate’s Inspiring Story
In the construction world, the sound of tools buzzing and steel clanking is often heard as a male-dominated melody. But Habitat for Humanity Australia’s Habitat Women program is rewriting that script, one woman at a time.
In a sector where gender norms and long-held stereotypes persist, Habitat Women is doing more than teaching trade skills. It’s building confidence, shifting the status quo, and creating pathways for women to step into spaces they were once told weren’t for them. This is more than a program, it’s a movement. And for the women who walk through its doors, it’s often a life-changing experience.
At our most recent graduation ceremony, one remarkable woman took the stage to share her journey. Her words capture not only her own transformation but also the collective power of women rising – together.
Bhaggya’s Graduation Speech:
“Ever since I was a kid, I followed my dad around the house like a little shadow, watching him fix leaky taps, patch walls, and build things from scratch. I loved every second—handing him tools, asking questions, and learning without even realizing it. But back then, it never even crossed my mind that I could become someone in construction.
I come from a place where women are often expected to stay small—where gender roles are rigid, and the patriarchy is quietly stitched into everyday life. Women are neatly folded into traditional roles, often without real role models to show us what’s possible beyond them. Where being a woman often means learning to accept limitations that were never ours to begin with.
And now, here I am, standing in a room full of women who’ve proven all of that wrong. I think we have all shown how powerful women can be when we’re given the space, the support, and the chance to grow.
Throughout these 12 weeks, as we got to know each other and shared what brought us here, one thing became clear: we all came for different reasons. When I asked my friends to share what this experience has meant for them, it turns out we’re leaving with something surprisingly similar.
This is what everyone has to say:
This program’s given us more than just construction skills. It’s given many of us a sense of purpose, a sense of direction, and the feeling that we’re finally moving towards something fulfilling. We’ve gained practical, empowering skills that we can take with us, not just into workplaces, but into life. For a lot of us, this has been the first time we’ve felt properly supported in a male-dominated field.
We haven’t just found friendship—we’ve found real connection. Despite how different we all are, we’ve built something that feels special, like we’ve found our people.
So thank you. We’ve shown up for each other, helped each other grow, and created a space that’s felt real, safe, and motivating.
Thank you Kristeen, Keils, Elizebeth, Peter, Queenie and Michelle for guiding us along the way. You have all been so incredible.
And Amber—thank you. Your patience, your resilience, and the way you’ve shown up for us has made this whole experience so wonderful. You’ve given us the guidance and the space to learn, mess up, ask questions, and keep going. You didn’t just teach us a trade you reminded us that we ARE allowed to be here. You have been a mentor, a role model, and one of the most grounding people I have met. I feel incredibly lucky to have learned from you.
So thank you, Amber — for everything you’ve shared, everything you’ve taught, and everything you’ve been.
And thank you to everyone that’s here today for making this possible.
So here’s to us— to women empowering each other. Thank you.” 
This heartfelt speech isn’t just a reflection on 12 weeks of learning it’s a testament to what happens when women are given the chance to succeed. Habitat Women is not just about learning a trade, it’s about building community, confidence, and new careers.
This program is breaking barriers that go far beyond job sites. It’s redefining what’s possible, for women, for communities, and for the generations that follow.
Here’s to the women who show up, speak up, and lift others up with them.
Learn more about our social enterprise, Habitat Women, or apply for our next cohort, here.