As we celebrate International Women’s Day at Orange Hire (now United Rentals), we recognise the contributions and achievements of women in all fields and industries. But despite their talent, women face challenges and barriers to entry into the construction industry – and it’s always happened throughout history.
This list highlights the accomplishments of women, past and present, who made a difference in the industry despite the barriers they faced.
Whether they worked alone or with others, they helped pave the path for others looking to fit in an industry where they have proven time and time again that they have plenty to offer.
Emily Roebling
Perhaps one of the most famous women on this list, Roebling played an essential role in constructing the Brooklyn Bridge, one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States. Roebling’s husband was the bridge’s chief engineer but became ill and could not continue overseeing the project.
That’s when Emily took the project on instead.
Roebling studied the plans and specifications of the bridge while supervising the construction and management of its workers. Her work was instrumental in completing the project. Today, the industry acknowledges her as one of the most accomplished engineers of her time.
Lady Anne Clifford
Lady Anne Clifford was a prominent figure in the construction industry in 17th-century England. After inheriting large estates and castles from her father despite fighting for them due to being a woman, Emily found that she enjoyed restoring and renovating them.
Clifford later moved on to non-familial projects and accomplished much in that area. She oversaw the construction of several notable buildings, like the restoration of the medieval castle of Skipton in Yorkshire and the monument at Appleby Castle.
Zaha Hadid
Zaha Hadid was a renowned Iraqi-British architect and a well-known woman in the construction industry. Her innovative work challenged traditional ideas of space and form. Hadid designed many iconic buildings throughout her career, including the MAXXI Museum in Rome, the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympic Games, and the Guangzhou Opera House in China.
Hadid was the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize, considered the most prestigious award. She also received the Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects for her groundbreaking work.
Cheryl McKissack
Cheryl McKissack is a trailblazing figure in the construction industry and a pioneer for women and People of Color. She is the President and CEO of McKissack & McKissack, the oldest African-American-owned architecture, engineering, and construction firm in the United States.
McKissack led numerous high-profile projects, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., and the renovation of LaGuardia Airport in New York City.
Samsui Women
The Samsui women were a group of incredible women who played a vital role in the construction industry in Singapore during the early 20th century. These women, mainly from Guangdong, China, migrated to Singapore and worked as construction workers. They performed physically demanding tasks such as carrying heavy bricks and cement – none deemed an appropriate part of women’s duties at the time. A job now reserved for state-of-the-art forklifts and earthmoving equipment.
The Samsui women donned distinctive red headgear and simple blue outfits and continued to do their work proudly despite setbacks. Highly respected for their hard work, resilience, and dedication to their craft, these women made it clear that they could accomplish what men could.
Despite facing numerous challenges and discrimination, the Samsui women made significant contributions to the construction industry in Singapore, helping to build many of the iconic landmarks seen today.
Kensetsu Komachi
The Kensetsu Komachi is a group of female construction workers challenging traditional gender roles in Japan’s construction industry. The group was formed in 2017 by Kikuko Miyasaka, a construction worker, in response to women’s lack of opportunities and discrimination in the field.
The Kensetsu Komachi work on various construction sites, performing bricklaying, plastering, and painting tasks. Their high-quality work and ability to bring a fresh perspective to the construction process receive consistent praise.
The Kensetsu Komachi are making significant contributions to construction in Japan by raising awareness about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the industry and paving the way for more women to enter the field.
Wrapping Up
All of these women have, at some point, faced obstacles regarding their work solely due to their gender.
But despite facing discrimination and barriers, they showed remarkable resilience. They persisted in an industry they were passionate about and proved they could bring significant change and good things to the field. Most importantly, they encourage others to make a difference, even in traditionally male-dominated industries like construction.
Orange Hire (now United Rentals) believes it is essential to celebrate the pioneering actions of all women who paved the way for future generations and continue to inspire us with their hard work. Promoting diversity and inclusion in construction can create a more equitable and innovative future for all, regardless of how they are seen traditionally. You can also learn how our sister brand Royal Wolf celebrated International Women's Day and recognised the contributions of women across the shipping container and worksite facilities industry.