Although it originally began in the UK, it quickly spread to be celebrated internationally. INWED gives women engineers around the world a profile when they are still hugely under-represented in the industry.

We’re proud to support a number of initiatives that support women in the industry and create a space that fosters inclusion for all. In honour of International Women in Engineering Day, we spoke with Mitali Kandalgaonkar, one of our site engineers, about what inspired her to pursue a career in engineering and what advice she gives to young women considering the field. 

Mitali has been with the Southbase Construction team for a few months now and we’re already impressed with the quality of her work and the enthusiasm she brings to the team. Here’s what she has to say about her experience:

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in construction?
A: I was inspired to pursue a career in construction by my father, a Civil Engineer who runs his own construction company. His dedication and expertise in building structures that enhanced the communities around us deeply influenced me from a young age. 

I remember taking a school trip to an aquarium he had built leaving a lasting impression on me. It really made me realise the tangible impact engineering can have on our surroundings. Witnessing firsthand the combination of creativity and technical skill required in construction sparked my passion to follow a similar path. Today, I am motivated to contribute to innovative projects that shape our environment positively, inspired by both my father's legacy and my own aspirations in engineering.

Q: What advice would you give to a young woman considering a career in construction? 

A: Embrace your passion and curiosity for building and creating. Don't be deterred by the traditionally male-dominated nature of the field; instead, see it as an opportunity to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. 

Educate yourself thoroughly, pursue internships or apprenticeships to gain practical experience, and seek out mentors who can offer guidance and support. Stay resilient and confident, and always advocate for yourself and your ideas—your contributions will help shape the future of the construction industry.

Q: What makes you proud of working in the construction industry?

A: I’m proud to be playing a role in breaking stereotypes and paving the way for more diversity in a traditionally male-dominated field. The collaborative nature of construction projects fosters creativity and innovation, allowing me to work alongside talented professionals from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, seeing tangible results of our efforts, from sustainable buildings to efficient infrastructure, reaffirms the impact of our work on society.

Q: What qualities do you feel are brought to the construction industry by an increasing number of women engineers?

A: I believe we bring unique qualities like strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving to a project. Women often have a fresh perspective on projects, with an emphasis on quality, sustainability, safety, and community impact. Our ability to multitask and manage complex tasks efficiently contributes to the overall success of construction projects. Additionally, diversity in thought and leadership styles fosters innovation and leads to more inclusive and effective solutions.