Episode 31 | Can We Achieve 40% Women in Construction by 2040? | Smarter Building Podcast

Why does one of the world’s most critical industries still struggle to attract, support, and retain women? And what would it take for construction to finally move beyond being labelled “male-dominated” and instead just be… construction? In this episode of Smarter Building, host Nicole sits down with Amanda Bulow, founder of Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC), to explore the grassroots movement that’s changing the face of the industry. Amanda shares how a simple breakfast with 14 women grew into a national network, why connection and mentorship matter more than ever, and how AWIC’s school roadshows are inspiring the next generation to see that building isn’t all “dirty trucks and tool belts.” Along the way, Amanda reflects on leaving behind the security of a 25-year career to run a non-profit, the challenges women face re-entering the workforce, and why male allies, visibility, and collaboration across borders are essential to making change stick. We also dive into AWIC’s ambitious goal of 40% female representation by 2040, what government and industry support gets right (and wrong), and why sometimes the most powerful impact comes from small gestures—like providing a pair of boots or a toolkit to someone starting out.