Awards finalist breaks through 'boys club' to help build better future for women in construction

When Casey Campbell started working in the construction industry more than 10 years ago, the conditions faced by women were “inflexible, rigid and a boys club”.

“Starting a family was seen as career suicide [and] woman were less likely to join as the conditions weren’t flexible to support family needs,” the Canberra resident said.

“Sexual harassment was prevalent and there was a significant way to go to see the gender pay gap reduced and women in leadership roles, particularly on construction sites.

“At one workplace I was one of three females employed across the entire organisation. It was rare to see women seeking employment in the technical spaces.”

Despite these challenges, she loves her work – and has seen change begin.

“Since starting in the industry there have been improvements to the number of women wanting to work within the industry – it is not where we’d like it to be, but it’s an improvement,” she said.

Earlier this month, Ms Campbell was announced as one of the 18 finalists in the 2024 Rotary Inspirational Women’s Awards (RIWA).

While she is part of a team working on the Canberra Light Rail, she is also a coach for junior women in the construction industry. She supports their development and career progression but, most importantly, ensures they feel safe, supported and that they belong.

“This at times requires me to challenge the status quo, advocate and champion for diversity in the industry,” she said.

“Pregnancy and flexibility for working parents is another passion of mine. Being a mother of four children of varying ages, I understand the complexity of managing the responsibilities of parenting and the challenges facing women and men in the industry.

“I do not view parenthood as a barrier to career progression or leadership roles and actively promote and educate.”

Ms Campbell also sees herself as a driver for highlighting mental health issues and the importance of inclusion.

“Being neurodiverse myself, I have witnessed firsthand the debilitating effects of isolation, bullying and harassment,” she said.

“I am a big believer in the saying ‘the standard you walk past is the standard you accept’. As a leader in this industry, I am in a position to be able to influence change.”

She said there were now organisations like the National Association of Woman in Construction leading an agenda for change, as well as several advocates for woman in construction, such as Jo Farrell and Emma Sckrabei.

“These women are role models and are shining a light on the opportunities available for women who want to make construction a career,” Ms Campbell said.

“Just as important, within the public sector are the executive women who are leading infrastructure delivery across the Territory. They are equally as amazing and just as passionate about the career opportunities our industry provides.”

Recently, Ms Campbell has been pivotal in developing and maintaining the high functioning governance framework and project controls for the Light Rail Stage 2 Project.

“I like the team aspect of construction, no one person builds infrastructure. Teams bring diversity and an opportunity to learn from each other,” she said.

“Being part of a team that is delivering capital works, which are delivering for the Canberra community and will serve my children and their children, is incredibility fulfilling.”

She said it was an honour to have been named a finalist in the RIWA.

“To me, the Rotary Inspirational Women’s Awards are a reminder of the power of collaboration, passion and perseverance,” she said.

NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said the RIWA highlighted the enormous contribution of women in the state’s rural and urban communities.

“Each and every finalist fully deserves recognition for the tireless and generous work they do in their communities. They are role models and a true inspiration,” she said.

The awards ceremony will be held on 29 September.