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05 Mar 2026
This Women in Construction Week (1st to 7th March) and International Women's Day (8th March), regional homebuilder Allison Homes is helping to inspire women, with an aim to diversify the construction industry.
Women in Construction (WIC) Week is a nationwide initiative that recognises the achievements of women working in the sector, and International Women's Day (IWD) is focused on raising awareness of discrimination and advocating for gender equality. This year, the IWD theme is 'Give to Gain', encouraging people to give support through donations, sharing knowledge or providing training.
In support of these campaigns, Allison Homes invited employees to offer their best pieces of advice, both to women already in the industry and those considering a new career path. As part of this, employees Dani Oleksow‑Bunten, Gemma Green and Aimée Watts each shared their experiences of the housebuilding sector.
Dani, Technical Co-ordinator in the housebuilder's Central region said: “One of the biggest challenges I've experienced in the industry has been walking into rooms or onto sites where I was the only woman, but now instead of focusing on whether I belong, I focus on the value I bring to the table.
“Encouraging women into construction is incredibly important. When women see other women leading projects, running companies or managing sites, it expands what feels possible. Women in construction isn't about filling quotas, it's about building a smarter and more resilient industry. The more diverse the voices around the table, the better the outcome is for everyone.”
As part of her call to see more women in construction, Dani shared her advice to inspire those considering or entering the sector. She said: “Firstly, remember you absolutely belong here. You are stepping into an industry that quite literally shapes communities and futures. There will be moments where you may be the only woman in a room, but never shrink, always stand tall. Be bold, be prepared and be resilient, the industry is stronger with you in it.”
Gemma, Regional Marketing Manager for Allison Homes South West, said: “Construction is still a predominantly male industry, and that can mean having to work harder to ensure your voice is heard. I've learned the importance of confidence, preparation and resilience. Demonstrating consistency, results and professionalism build credibility, and backing your ideas with clear rationale makes a real difference.”
While reflecting on the importance of a diverse workforce, Gemma added: “Women bring different perspectives, strengths and experiences that can significantly enhance teams and decision-making. Encouraging more women into the sector not only improves diversity, but also drives innovation and better reflects the communities we're building for.
“My advice is don't be afraid to voice your thoughts and opinions, they matter and are respected more than you may think. Confidence grows with experience, but backing yourself from day one is key. Stay curious, ask questions and take every opportunity to learn. The industry is far broader than many people realise, and there are so many different pathways to explore.”
Aimée, who works as Land and Partnerships Manager in Allison Homes' East Midlands region, said: “There are more women in senior-level, land-focused roles than when I started in the industry, with the land department evolving from a stereotypically male-dominant landscape to one that is more mixed and accessible. Overcoming the apprehension of being in a male-dominated environment and being comfortable in your own capabilities goes a long way.”
Aimée also looked to the future, speaking on why there's such a need to create a more diverse industry. She continued: “It's incredibly important to encourage women into construction at all levels, in all specialisms, to create a balanced, varied and ultimately successful industry. Housebuilding offers a unique variety of job roles that women can become involved in, and we should be promoting this as an exceptional opportunity.
“The best piece of advice I've been given is to have confidence in your own knowledge and abilities, and advocate for what you believe in. However, never turn down the opportunity to learn something new, as you never know when it will become useful in the future. Don't be afraid to be innovative: the housebuilding industry thrives on new-thinking and new ideas.”
Another Allison Homes employee, Georgina McCrae, Planning Director is attending Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce's International Women's Day event, where she will discuss the power of mentorship in male-dominated industries.
John Anderson, CEO of Allison Homes, said: “At Allison Homes, we strive to foster a diverse and collaborative workplace, where people feel supported, heard and able to openly share their views.
“Currently 35 per cent of our team are women, with six women being in Director roles and two in Head of Department roles. We are always looking for ways to inspire women to join our exciting world, including recently hiring more women apprentices, and will continue to hold ourselves to high standards as we advocate for more diversity across the construction industry.”
Allison Homes is building new communities across the East of England, East Midlands and South West. For more information on Allison Homes and starting a career with the housebuilder, visit https://allison-homes.co.uk/careers/.
To find out more about Women In Construction Week and International Women's Day, head to https://nawic.org/wic-week/ and https://www.internationalwomensday.com/.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Allison Homes is a forward-thinking housebuilder with an ambitious five-year plan to double in size. With regional offices in Peterborough (Cambridgeshire), Norwich (Norfolk), Tiverton (Devon) and Castle Donington (Leicestershire), the company is rapidly expanding its presence across the East Midlands, East of England and South West.
Guided by its vision to be known as “The Homebuilder You Can Trust”, Allison Homes is recognised for its fresh approach, strong partnerships and commitment to delivering high-quality, energy-efficient homes.
In 2025 it has achieved a five-star rating from the Home Builders Federation (HBF), as 94.9 per cent of customers surveyed would recommend the company to family and friends. Allison Homes also received the Gold Award from In-house Research Ltd, highlighting its delivery of outstanding customer service and reinforcing its reputation for excellence.
To find out more about Allison Homes, visit https://allison-homes.co.uk/.
For further information or for PR enquiries about Allison Homes, please contact Molly Fawcett on 0116 247 1777 or molly@unsworthsugden.co.uk.