Celebrating the Inspirational Business Women in STEM & Construction initiative
Published data suggests that women make up about 29% of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) workforce. In the construction industry, the representation is lower, with women comprising approximately 15.8% of the workforce.
On 7 March 2025, ahead of International Women’s Day, industry leaders, business professionals, and aspiring young women in STEM and Construction will gather at the House of Lords for the Inspirational Business Women in STEM & Construction (IBWISC) Initiative.
Hosted by Baroness Sandy Verma and Dr. Roni Savage, an award-winning engineer and business leader, the event will champion the role of women in STEM and construction, celebrate their achievements, and foster new opportunities for future generations.
Dr. Roni Savage, founder and managing director of Jomas Associates, is spearheading this initiative to address the gender imbalance in STEM and Construction careers, and highlight the importance of visibility, mentorship, and opportunity for women in traditionally male-dominated industries.
“As a businesswoman in construction, I understand the barriers that many face when entering and progressing in these fields,” said Dr. Roni Savage. “This event is about breaking those barriers and ensuring that women are not only encouraged to pursue careers in these sectors, but are also supported and celebrated throughout their journeys. I’m grateful for the support of our incredible partners who share this vision.”
Partnering for Progress
The IBWISC Initiative is proudly supported by leading organisations committed to diversity and inclusion, including CITB, EY, Jomas Associates, Cultural Nexus, Stellar & Rose, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), ODPR, and BBCWiSTEM.
Danny Clarke, CITB, emphasised the power of visibility in driving industry change: “I’m supporting IBWISC because visibility changes everything. If we want a diverse and inclusive industry, we need to be shouting about the incredible women already leading the way in STEM and construction. This aligns perfectly with the work I do on the Top 100 Women in Construction—championing role models, breaking barriers, and making sure the next generation sees a future where they belong. It’s not just about recognition; it’s about real change. And if we don’t highlight the talent in our industry, how can we expect people to believe they have a place in it?”
EY, a global leader in professional services, is investing in the next generation of female innovators through initiatives such as the EY STEM App, an interactive learning platform designed to inspire and educate young girls about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
“At EY, we believe that diversity drives innovation and success. We are thrilled to support IBWISC and celebrate the incredible women leading the way in STEM. The EY STEM App is one of the ways we are investing in the next generation of female innovators.”
ODPR, a leading consultancy in communications and supply chain engagement, highlighted the importance of representation and storytelling in construction:
“Having been born into the supply chain within the construction industry, I am passionate about sharing my story to encourage others to join,” said Jacqueline O’Donovan, ODPR.
BBCWiSTEM, a network dedicated to supporting women in STEM across the UK, underlined the importance of creating a strong talent pipeline:
“This is a fantastic initiative that inspires leaders and others to build a strong pipeline of talent in construction. By supporting changemakers like Roni Savage, we amplify the momentum for progress. As we approach Women’s History Month, this serves as an important legacy for the future,” said Lalita Tharani, BBCWiSTEM.
Cultural Nexus, a platform fostering inclusion across industries, reinforced the need for diverse representation:
“Women of all backgrounds must see themselves reflected in STEM and construction. IBWISC is a powerful initiative that ensures diverse voices are heard and celebrated.”
Stellar & Rose, known for its leadership development expertise, emphasised the importance of creating environments where women can thrive:
“Empowering women in STEM and construction isn’t just about increasing representation—it’s about building environments where women can truly thrive. We are proud to stand with IBWISC.”
Jomas Associates, under Dr. Savage’s leadership, has long been at the forefront of advocating for women in STEM and Construction, while the FSB continues to champion female entrepreneurship and business success in the UK.
A Call to Action
The IBWISC event will showcase inspirational business women who have been nominated by their peers at a grand reception in parliament, with the next generation of young ambassadors from universities and colleagues present. It will also feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, aiming to inspire, connect, and empower the next generation of female STEM and Construction leaders. With a special focus on mentorship and career progression, the event aligns with International Women’s Day 2025’s theme of advancing gender equality in professional spaces.