Shining a light on the essential work of women around the world, the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) has launched a campaign today, International Women's Day (March 9). The year-long campaign features more than 100 video stories to highlight the skills of engineers, sustainability VPs, executives, plant workers, HR managers, drivers, finance teams, and more.
GCCA asked its women working for member companies to send in a short video profiling their work. The response was overwhelming with more than 120 sent from a wide variety of roles with many more promised.
The videos are to be featured by the GCCA on social media and on the association's website over the next year.
Some of the comments include:
“I think the industry is changing as more women are coming through. It’s great to see. If any woman is considering a career in the construction industry, I say go for it. Every day is different.”-Megan Mulholland, weighbridge operator for Breedon, from Ireland
“A woman can do it, a man can do it – anybody can do it, as long as they’re 21 and up. Easy work!"
-Shelly King, a truck driver from Sanford, Flordia
“If you want to get in a truck, and run the roads – do it. If you want to come work for us with some concrete -do it. See some really cool things built like bridges and big buildings, come do it. It’s all within anyone’s capabilities. Personally, I think it’s fun!”
-Jo Boyett, from Jacksonville, Florida
"I was the first woman in the Middle East to become a general manager for a male-dominated concrete business. I faced challenges along the way. I never compromised my values. On International Women’s Day I encourage all women to pursue their dreams and break barriers to create a better future for themselves and others.”
-Majida Chahine, a Chief Operating Officer with Secil She also has been working as a general manager in the concrete industry in Lebanon since 1997.
“I would like to wish all women across the world a very happy International Women’s Day. I’m told I’m probably the first woman Secretary General of the CMA in its almost 60 years history. I’m sure I won’t be the last. It’s an industry that’s highly dynamic, it’s an industry that’s growing, and most of all it offers an opportunity to lead from the front at every level."
-Aparna Dutt Sharma, Secretary General, Cement Manufacturers’ Association, India
“Concrete is essential to us all. It provides homes, connects communities, encourages trade, provides energy, and improves health. The wide-reaching roles covered by the women in these videos demonstrate the variety of skills they provide to our industry. Having a diverse industry enables us to problem solve and succeed. There’s still a lot more we have to do, to have gender parity in heavy industries like ours. But today and throughout 2023, we celebrate the women already working with us to break down barriers.”
-Claude Lorea, the GCCA’s cement director and pioneer of the industry
The GCCA and its members represent 80% of global cement production capacity outside of China and include some key Chinese companies. They have all committed to reducing, and ultimately eliminating CO2 emissions, (which currently account for about 7% globally), through implementation of the GCCA’s Concrete Future 2050 Net Zero Roadmap – the first heavy industry to set out such a detailed plan.
