Building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging is the name of the game for the 2024 Women in Construction meet up, says Queens Workwear co-founder Alex van Dam
Organised and run by Queens Workwear, the country’s first workwear brand specifically designed for women, co-founder Alex van Dam says the annual Women in Construction event has become a hotly anticipated event!
“It’s widely regarded as the best girls’ weekend of the year,” she says. “It’s all about having fun, taking part in different activities, building relationships and ultimately feeling as if you truly belong.
“A lot of women come on their own, without knowing anyone or what to expect, and leave with lifelong friendships after an epic few days.”
Making new connections
This year, the event is in Wellington over the Labour Day long weekend on 25-27 October. It’s open to all women in construction, including landscapers, and is free to sign up to!
“We only have space for up to 35 attendees, as we like to keep it small, so everyone can connect and get to know each other,“ says Queens Workwear co-founder Becca Hassall.
Becca is at the start of her trade journey and says that events like these highlight “that each and every tradie lady is a role model to other people, who are interested in entering the industry”.
Alex’s career started with her working in a sawmill, before she transitioned into landscaping and then the wider construction industry. She feels that events such as Women in Construction are vital to breaking down barriers.
“Often, you can be the only female on site and it’s easy to feel alone in the industry,” she says.
“Once you get to know how many amazing wahine toa there are in the construction industry, it’s a whole new ball game!” Last summer, Alex and Becca also took their meet-ups on a road trip in a retro caravan they fitted out, visiting Auckland, Tauranga, Taranaki, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch and Queenstown.
A room full of role models
Networking events like these can help women build a support network to help them navigate the ups and downs of the realities of working in a male-dominated industry, which Alex believes is an essential part of any woman’s success.
“Unless you are a woman in construction, it’s hard to understand the adversity that we face on a daily basis, such as the lack of proper hygiene facilities and portaloos during menstruation, and the stigma surrounding women’s health. Additionally, the scarcity of women in senior or leadership positions can limit opportunities and make it harder for women to see a career path.”
Challenges and changes
“All the women we’ve met love what they do but face challenges because of their gender,” says Alex. “It’s shown us that there is a really strong group of women here and we need to continue promoting what everyone is doing to keep our voices heard – to not only normalise but celebrate women in trades. Having the sisterhood makes you feel supported, seen and understood.”
Zoë Taylor is a Lead Landscaper for Property and Grounds in Tauranga and, while she’s been buying Queens Workwear gear for a while, she’ll be joining Alex and Becca’s Women in Construction meet-up for the first time in Wellington.
“I know from speaking to other women that it’s a great weekend and a really fun group to be a part of. Events like this really help you feel that you’re not alone and being able to talk to people who understand your point of view is so important.
“The moment you read about these people doing great work, it draws you in because they’re part of a great network. You meet the people involved for the first time and it’s like talking to a best mate or a buddy you’ve known forever. I couldn’t rate them any higher.”
Zoë says the events and the availability of tailor-made gear are both key to building equality between women and men in landscaping.
“You can’t find anything out there like the Queens Workwear trade gear. Finding work clothes that fit properly is difficult for women and Alex and Becca have created something original and fun.”
Wider support
This year, the BCITO has committed to support the 2024 Women in Construction event – but Becca says there’s still an opportunity for another company to get involved in any way possible.
“Our event is famous for the most amazing goodie bags. We would like to thank all of our past and current sponsors and we’re in the process of putting together bags for this year – any brands who want to support us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!”
Other groups advocating for women in landscaping and construction include Women in Trades and the National Association of Women in Construction NZ (NAWIC).
For more info go to www.queensworkwear.co.nz or follow queens_workwear on Instagram.