Construction is traditionally a male-dominated industry, but times are changing. More women are pulling on hard hats and work boots - stepping into leadership roles, driving innovation and helping re-shape workplace culture.
At Blackwoods, supporting this transition is a source of pride. Through strong female leadership, supplier partnerships and products designed to support women on site, Blackwoods is helping create a safer, more inclusive industry.
That commitment starts at the top. Women currently represent 45% of Blackwoods Executive Leadership Team positions and 38% of Blackwoods Senior Leadership Team positions, with these leaders shaping commercial strategy and driving outcomes across the business.
Kate Wishart is Head of Sales and leads the construction focus at Blackwoods. She joined Blackwoods almost 10 years ago, attracted by the business’s ambition to bring more women into leadership roles, and create more flexible working arrangements.
These are things she has been spearheading ever since, while moving from area sales manager to national strategic account manager, then to national sales manager and head of sales. Along the way, she’s built a reputation for solving complex challenges, connecting high-level strategy with the realities of work on site, and bringing stakeholders together from ‘boardroom to boots’.
Kate has witnessed the evolution of gender diversity firsthand during her career, and is passionate about ensuring products and workplaces continue to evolve as the workforce changes. As co-chair of the Blackwoods Enable committee, she works to optimise opportunities for neurodiverse employees and mentors female team members across the business.
“Some women may face barriers to negotiating pay increases or advocating for their needs. I support them to take their place at the table and find their voice.”
Kate also believes collaboration across industries is critical to driving progress.
“By creating customer advocacy groups and bringing a more diverse subset of industries to the table, we can find much better solutions going forward.”
This extends to ensuring women have access to fit-for-purpose workwear, PPE and tools.
“As a mother of three daughters, I want them to be able to do whatever work they desire, with the right equipment, then come home safely,” she says.
Another inspiring example of women in leadership comes from Kristine Doutsis.
After an 18-year career in safety product sales, Kristine completed a Diploma of Occupational Health and Safety and joined CPB Contractors, a key Blackwoods partner and recognised leader of gender diversity in construction. Over the past seven years, she has become a highly respected safety leader and mentor at the company, currently serving as SH Manager, Eastern Freeway Upgrade - Tram to Springvale Alliance.
While at CPB Contractors, Kristine has played a significant role in managing risks associated with silica dust exposure, helping develop an innovative mobile grout mixing truck that reduces workers' exposure, while improving efficiency. Beyond technical innovation, Kristine is recognised for her mentorship, collaboration and commitment to building a strong safety culture.
Kristine says it’s still tough for women on construction sites.
“Until we get higher female ratios, it will be challenging. That’s why it’s so critical for males in senior leadership roles to demonstrate the right behaviours and attitudes,” she says. “Women need to bring their whole selves to work. It’s essential they have the confidence to operate safely, speak up if they’re uncomfortable about something, and back themselves out there.”
She wants younger women to understand they have a voice, and not to be afraid to use it.
“I’m lucky. CPB Contractors is a really supportive workplace for women. I want all women to be exposed to the great opportunities that I’ve had. You don’t have to know everything about the job to do the job. You just need the confidence to step in and give it a go.”
Blackwoods supports women with a range of products from brands that are leading the way in enhancing safety, productivity and performance on site.
One of PIP Safety’s latest products is a safety harness that has been designed for women, rather than being re-purposed from a men’s harness. PIP Safety also has a range of Oliver Footwear created specifically for women. The boots aren’t just a scaled-down version of a men’s boot, but are lightweight, and designed to suit the biomechanics of the female foot.
COgear is another trusted supplier that is changing the game for women, delivering comfortable, compliant hi-vis and industrial workwear that is tailored to fit. The company’s founder established the brand after realising how hard it was for women to do their job in gear not designed for them. Products feature durable, breathable fabrics, an adaptive fit to suit different body types and patented tear-away HMZ, which allows for pants to be shortened without using scissors. COgear even offers a maternity range of workwear.
Brands are also designing for women when it comes to equipment and PPE. There are tools and gloves designed to fit smaller hands, and safety eyewear to fit female faces.
Leigh Eam, National Category Manager of Apparel & Footwear at Blackwoods says,
“The right women’s range delivers better fit, greater comfort, improved safety, and stronger confidence on the job.By offering a genuine end-to-end solution for women, businesses can better support their teams, improve wearer satisfaction, and demonstrate a clear commitment to inclusion, performance, and practicality in the workplace.”
Blackwoods is pleased to be part of this positive change, supplying a range of practical products that help women get the job done, and go home safe at the end of the day.