INSIGHT | WOMEN IN TUNNELLING
FUTURE
The future of the tunnelling industry is being reshaped by a growing commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). It is important to celebrate the people who make up our industry, embracing inclusive design principles, and taking bold steps to ensure regardless of gender, background, or ability, everyone has a place in the industry. It has never been a secret that ingenuity, creativity
and innovation are what is required to solve the biggest problems faced in the construction and civil engineering industry. Large-scale projects are often praised for the incredible original solutions that have been dreamt up. So how can we amplify this? The British Consulting Group has reported a significant
correlation between the diversity in management teams and overall innovation, which strongly suggests diversity helps us be more innovative. Companies with more diverse leadership earned 19% more of their revenue from innovation (BCG, 2018). This supports the notion that excellence thrives in diversity, the likelihood of finding top-tier talent is increased when you open the door to more people, which is why the representation of women in the industry is important. A more diverse workforce also expands the talent pool at a time when the industry is facing growing demand for skilled professionals. The percentage of women in the UK working
population currently stands at approximately 47%. However, only around 15% of those employed in tunnelling is made up of women. Can we meet our potential in innovation if we only recruit the same kind of people? Within the BTSYM, one aim is to explore how diversity
and inclusion can be reflected in design itself. From an engineering perspective, inclusivity makes us better at our jobs. There are powerful examples from around the world of construction that embraces local materials, cultural relevance, and environmental sustainability. The Makoko Floating School in Nigeria was built using locally sourced wood and bamboo to serve a water-
based community in a way that is both functional and environmentally conscious. In Senegal, eco-villages made from clay and straw preserve traditional building methods while providing sustainable housing. These projects remind us that inclusive design is also about empathy and respect for the people who use the spaces we build. As we look to the future of tunnelling, the same
principles of inclusivity and innovation can be understood. Just as diverse, locally informed design in construction results in more accessible and sustainable outcomes, so can a more inclusive approach to tunnelling. By empowering more women to influence the field, we welcome innovative ideas and solutions that reflect the diversity of the world we live in. Women and girls tend to suffer more when impacted
by climate change events such as flooding. Women around the world are also reported to have experienced many cases of sexual harassment on public transport. From a national UK poll, it was reported that 64% women of all ages had experienced sexual harassment in public places. As reported by the ICE, infrastructure is put in place with the intention to stay for decades which means undertaking works that ignore the needs of women can reinforce inequality for a very long period. Therefore, it makes sense to make women part of the decision-makers of their future life in and around public spaces. The need to spotlight women in the industry may be
obvious to some, but others question the need for this. The truth is, we shouldn’t have to, but we still do. The goal is to reach a point where these conversations are no longer necessary because equity has been achieved. Until then, we will keep moving forward. The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day celebration was to ‘Accelerate Action’. If you’re tired of hearing about inequality, then help to fix it. What can be done? Too often, misogynistic and
sexist behaviours are ignored or dismissed as normal. If you’re in a leadership position, you have a responsibility to call it out. Pay attention to how people treat one another. Understand that some team members may face challenges others don’t, simply because of their gender. As members of the tunnelling industry, we have a duty not only to share knowledge but to create a culture of respect and accountability. An additional few ways we can all make a difference
has also been highlighted by Katherine Evans, who has a networking initiative Bold as Brass. She says, practical actions can make an actual difference, including: giving credit in real time when a woman shares an idea; ensure PPE options are available to fit everyone; that sanitary bins are available underground; and, that rotas accommodate care responsibilities. Also, rotate meeting chairs to normalise diverse leadership styles; track data on promotion, retention, and pay by gender to focus efforts where they’re needed. Evans also emphasises the importance of celebrating
Above: Polaroid pictures taken with the attendees at our celebration of International Women’s Day at the ICE (6 March 2025)
34 | June 2025
loudly! Nominating women for awards, inviting them to speak, and showcasing their contributions.
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