Accelerate Action: International Women’s Day 2025
Our commitment to creating a more inclusive workforce
This International Women’s Day, we want to shine a spotlight on our female colleagues who are leading the way toward a more inclusive and equitable future and are proactively accelerating change within the business.
What is International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day is a global awareness day that is celebrated annually on the 8th March. The day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and encourages a call to action for accelerating gender equality. International Women’s Day has been around for just over a century with the first gathering being held in 1911.
Every year, International Women’s Day focusses on a particular campaign theme. The theme for 2025 is ‘Accelerate Action’, which emphasises the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality and addressing systemic barriers and biases that women face, both within personnel and professional situations.
Women Accelerating Change at Avove
We asked our female colleagues from across the business to outline how they feel about working at Avove and the change they have created whilst working here.
“As a woman who has worked in the construction and civil industry for the last 25 years, there have been challenging times. However, as my career has developed and by having greater control over where I work, I can ensure that any positive action I want to take is taken seriously and achieved. Avove strives to be diverse and culturally different to others and I feel empowered to play a part in that.
Liz Groundland | Head of HSEQ
“Being a woman in construction is an incredibly rewarding experience, one that combines hard work and the opportunity to make a tangible impact, even without previous experience in the industry. While construction has traditionally been viewed as a male-dominated field, today, women from all diverse backgrounds are steadily changing the landscape.”
“As a woman working in construction, I’ve had the privilege of not only carving out my own space, but also helping recruit and support the next generation of women into the industry.”
Laura Whitehead | Talent & Attraction Advisor
“From day one at Avove, I’ve like I’ve been able to be my authentic self at work. I feel valued for the skills and experience I bring to the table and empowered to create change within my role.”
Olivia Appleton | Digital Marketing Business Partner
“By accelerating my actions, I have created a successful Finance Administration team, ensuring payments to subcontractors are made on time and creating a better relationship between Avove, our supply chain and our clients.”
“By working together, we can create a brighter future, while delivering great customer service.”
Sarah Howard | Finance Administration Manager
“In my two months at Avove, I’ve experienced first hand how inclusive, welcoming and supportive this company is. It’s a dynamic environment filled with opportunities to learn and grow.”
“My team is incredibly knowledgeable, always willing to share insights and support one another, and genuinely passionate about their work. It’s inspiring to be part of a team where you can truly thrive and make a real difference.”
Emilia Dutton | Marketing & Communications Graduate
“As a Project Manager, leading a construction site can be challenging on its own, but having to conduct site walks and communicate regularly with a predominantly male team can make it even more daunting. I quickly learnt that resilience and confidence in every decision are essential to ensuring my voice is heard and respected.”
“Avove has been incredibly supportive, ensuring I feel included and empowered with the resources I need to thrive. Being a woman at Avove and in the construction field is not only rewarding but also motivating. I’m excited to be part of the growing female influence, shaping the future of the industry!”
Katie Bolger | Project Manager
“As a relatively new starter in my role as a graphic designer at Avove, I have found that the company encapsulated in ‘The Avove Way’ have really helped drive the inclusive, empowering environment that the whole business embraces.”
“It has allowed me to be agile and responsive within a huge variety of different projects, helping to produce great results and always supported by the wonderful team that I am lucky enough to find myself working with.”
Sue Westcott | Marketing Design Specialist
“Becoming a Site Supervisor is the best thing I could have done. Avove and the team here have supported me through my training and development, ensuring that I have been put through all my courses and achieved all my qualifications; and received support from my managers, peers and teams. More than 18 months later, I thoroughly enjoy my job which is challenging, stimulating and rewarding.”
“For me, it’s important for females to see other females in what is seen as traditionally male roles, and to inspire the next generation. At school, jobs like this were never promoted to girls, but if young people can see someone like me doing this job, it can reinforce the idea that anyone can achieve what they want to do!”
Sally Quinn | Site Supervisor
“This role has helped me grow both technically and professionally. I am proud to be part of an industry where more women are breaking through and making a difference, especially in utilities. As more women step into these roles, it’s important we support each other’s growth. I’m excited to continue my career in this field and hope to inspire more women to join the utilities sector and make their mark.”
Tanya Dembla | Graduate Engineer
No Ordinary Job – Explore Avove Careers
Whether you’re looking for your first role within the industry or taking the next step to advance your career, we have a wide range of opportunities available. If you want to work for a business that cares about your professional development and values the unique skills you bring to the table, then you belong at Avove. Find out more about our career opportunities and apply today.