In the latest episode of our podcast "Breaking Barriers: Navigating Motherhood and Bias as a Woman in Construction", we dive into a story of resilience and determination that speaks to anyone balancing career advancement with motherhood, particularly in male-dominated industries like construction. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in understanding the intersection of gender, family life, and career growth in a field where biases still run deep.
Our guest, Nkechi Ashiedu, a dedicated mother and passionate construction professional, shares her journey, highlighting the significant hurdles she faced as a woman in construction. After the birth of her child in 2017, Nkechi experienced nearly two years of unemployment. Despite having a strong family support system, she encountered societal misconceptions about a mother’s ability to balance work and family. Her story is a powerful reminder of the challenges many women face when returning to demanding careers after maternity leave.
One of the most thought-provoking aspects of the episode is how she chose not to disclose her parental status to colleagues, fearing prejudice. This decision reflects the pervasive gender discrimination that exists in workplaces, where women feel the need to hide their personal lives to avoid being judged unfairly. It’s a stark commentary on the continued presence of bias in the construction industry.
The conversation moves beyond personal struggles to explore how our guest transitioned from academia to a freelance career. Her passion for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) became the driving force behind this shift. She pursued a PhD focusing on CSR, where she explored the intricate connections between design, workforce practices, and sustainable material sourcing within the construction supply chain.
This transition wasn’t just about a change in career direction, but also a journey of profound personal and professional growth. Through her work, Nkechi became an advocate for responsible business practices, particularly in an industry where these principles are often overlooked.
A significant part of the discussion focuses on the impact of social movements like Black Lives Matter on workforce inclusivity. These movements have shed light on the systemic barriers faced by new employees, particularly those from minority backgrounds. Nkechi provides insights into how these barriers create feelings of isolation, leading to high turnover rates in the industry.
Her experience underscores the importance of creating supportive and inclusive work environments, which not only benefit employees but also improve retention and productivity within the workforce, particularly for women in construction.
The episode also explores the evolving role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprises (VCSEs) in large-scale government projects. Contrary to the common belief that these large projects are dominated by big firms, our guest explains how SMEs can play a vital role by breaking down project scopes into manageable packages.
Nkechi highlights initiatives like the UK Department of Transportation's roadshows and Westminster Council’s supply chain readiness programmes, which aim to integrate smaller organisations into major infrastructure projects. These efforts demonstrate that even the smallest firms can add value to large government-linked projects.
Throughout the episode, our guest stresses the importance of aligning responsible business practices with organisational culture, from top management to on-site operations. By promoting social value, environmental sustainability, and procurement transparency, businesses can not only contribute to a more sustainable future but also enhance their chances of securing government-linked projects.
One of the key takeaways from the episode is the need for construction companies to demonstrate their commitment to these practices. Aligning policies and procedures at all levels is essential to creating a supportive work environment, addressing high turnover rates, and ensuring that staff feel valued.
Another fascinating aspect of Nkechi’s journey is her transition from academia to self-employment. After completing her PhD, an unexpected opportunity arose, prompting her to set up her own business. This transition highlights the unpredictable nature of career paths and the importance of being adaptable in the face of new opportunities.
Her story offers valuable lessons for anyone considering a career change or leap into entrepreneurship. It shows that with the right mindset and willingness to take risks, success can be found in unexpected places.
This episode is a rich source of insights for companies looking to create more inclusive and sustainable workplaces for women in construction. From addressing the challenges of balancing work and family life to navigating the impact of social movements on workforce inclusivity, the discussion touches on a wide range of important topics for today’s professional landscape.
The episode serves as a call to action for businesses to foster a more caring environment, where employees feel supported and valued. Whether you are a professional navigating similar challenges, an SME seeking to break into large-scale projects, or a company striving for a more inclusive workplace, this episode provides actionable strategies and inspiring stories to guide you on your journey.
