Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 5 days ago
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.
If you care about diversity, equality, and the future of construction, this conversation is for you.
📖 CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro to AWIC and Amanda Bulow
02:36 - Why connection matters in construction
05:21 - Male allies and equality
06:54 - Inspiring the next generation through roadshows
11:25 - Amanda’s journey starting AWIC
14:01 - Women in leadership roles
16:30 - Expanding AWIC beyond Australia
19:26 - Collaboration with global organisations
20:40 - Diversity and gender in construction
23:44 - Government support and initiatives
24:28 - Supporting both new and current industry members
27:40 - Inside the roadshow experience
29:02 - Challenges women face in construction
30:59 - Shifting work culture & expectations
33:07 - Breaking barriers in the industry
35:12 - Supporting diverse backgrounds
36:16 - Role models and visibility
38:06 - Membership and benefits of AWIC
39:36 - Upcoming events & networking opportunities
🎙️MORE EPISODES YOU'LL LOVE:
If you enjoyed this episode, we think you'll like: youtube.com/watch?v=YRCxr3TUN-E&list=PLyBt4gIhwg2eAwj0QCwne9DXxF4eO81eY&index=3&t=228s
💻FIND OUT MORE:
For more information about AWIC, visit: https://awic.org.au/
Get in Touch:
Website: symetri.co.uk
Email: info@symetri.co.uk
Telephone: 0345 370 1444
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/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.
If you care about diversity, equality, and the future of construction, this conversation is for you.
📖 CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro to AWIC and Amanda Bulow
02:36 - Why connection matters in construction
05:21 - Male allies and equality
06:54 - Inspiring the next generation through roadshows
11:25 - Amanda’s journey starting AWIC
14:01 - Women in leadership roles
16:30 - Expanding AWIC beyond Australia
19:26 - Collaboration with global organisations
20:40 - Diversity and gender in construction
23:44 - Government support and initiatives
24:28 - Supporting both new and current industry members
27:40 - Inside the roadshow experience
29:02 - Challenges women face in construction
30:59 - Shifting work culture & expectations
33:07 - Breaking barriers in the industry
35:12 - Supporting diverse backgrounds
36:16 - Role models and visibility
38:06 - Membership and benefits of AWIC
39:36 - Upcoming events & networking opportunities
🎙️MORE EPISODES YOU'LL LOVE:
If you enjoyed this episode, we think you'll like: youtube.com/watch?v=YRCxr3TUN-E&list=PLyBt4gIhwg2eAwj0QCwne9DXxF4eO81eY&index=3&t=228s
💻FIND OUT MORE:
For more information about AWIC, visit: https://awic.org.au/
Get in Touch:
Website: symetri.co.uk
Email: info@symetri.co.uk
Telephone: 0345 370 1444
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/smarter-building-podcast
