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International Women’s Day 2021

24 February 2021

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2021, we reflect on the contributions and achievements of women. #IWD reminds us that we are responsible for our thoughts and actions and that gender equality remains a critical ambition for our communities.  

At InfraBuild, we are championing the achievements of women through a newly created Women’s Network and showcasing the fierce women challenging a male dominated industry.

Ground breaker

Last year, Amanda Charalambous was appointed the InfraBuild Steel Centre Northern Territory State Manager. Amanda took over the reigns from Barrie Duthie and became the first woman to lead the business in the Territory. Managing Director of InfraBuild Steel Centre, Michael Negri, said Amanda’s appointment highlighted the changing face of the steel industry in Australia.

Women’s Network

The Building Products Division has around 120 female employees, from an approx. workforce of 840. Many of the women work in regional and/or remote locations and with the COVID-19 pandemic, connecting and bringing them together to share networking opportunities became a challenge.

The Women’s Network was created in 2020 as a forum for female employees to share information, stories and ideas. Connections are an important part of our working lives and these networks are vital for sharing information and stories that shape experiences and culture.

Director of Human Resources in the InfraBuild Steel Centre Division, Liz Macri said the Women’s Network was a platform for connecting, personal/professional development and mentorship. It was also a forum for discussion on ways to improve gender equality and participation in our workplace and how we can promote InfraBuild as a place where everyone can bring their best and truest selves to work, every day.

The Network, Liz explained, also serves to facilitate growth through development opportunities, mentoring, panel discussions and valuable lessons and insights from keynote and guest speakers from inside and outside the business and industry. The Network is equally relevant to men and women across the business and men across the business are encouraged to participate as well as women. A collaboration with the National Association of Women in Operations (NAWO) has enabled greater access to industry training and network opportunities in which the Women’s Network has greatly benefited.

The intent of these activities, Liz said, was to promote and encourage the recruitment, participation, retention and ongoing growth of females within a typically male-dominated workforce.

#ChooseToChallenge

This years International Women’s Day theme is Choose to Challenge. A challenged world is an alert world. Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day. 

The InfraBuild team have raised their hands to challenge inequality, call out bias, question stereotypes, and help forge an inclusive world. 

InfraBuild Team_ International Womens Day

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