INCLUDE   RESPECT   INSPIRE

Lets talk about periods.

  • By Jen Tyson
  • •
  • 27 Feb, 2024

In 2024 this should not be a challenge that women in construction still need to face at any level. Guest post by Willow Rolton.

Willow Rolton.
"In 2024 this should not be a challenge that women in construction still need to face at any level. As an advocate for women in trades, women's health, periods and mental health, I have been sharing some of what I have observed and experienced onsite throughout my 6 years in construction.
I do this in the hopes that the industry will improve and become more inclusive for future generations of anyone who chooses to work in the industry.

A big positive for me going back to commercial from residential was having female only bathrooms and having access to a sanitary bin and a sink with running water and soap, although this is not always the case on all commercial sites, it was still a noticeable difference.

It absolutely blows my mind that the majority of the time when you work residentially you have portaloos on-site that don't come with sanitary bins (or sinks/soap) unless asked for, which generally comes at a cost. The amount of times I've had to shove used sanitary products into my pockets and make a beeline for a bin without others noticing is ridiculous.
Some smaller sites don’t even have a portaloo.

This is something I will not be quiet about anymore as it is a massive issue and it's a basic right to have access to a sanitary bin at your place of work, however for many people who bleed on a monthly basis throughout the country this is still not accessible.

For those who are happy to chuck a used sanitary item in an external bin or down a portaloo that's fine, that's what we do when we have no other option but it shouldn't even be the case to start with. I'm not saying it's not doable without a sanitary bin because time and time again we prove we as women can adapt to situations but I am saying it's not providing an inclusive workplace environment in any sense of the word and to be completely honest it's not okay.

We need to be having more conversations which spark action regarding this, if not to help ourselves then to help future women who are coming through the trades industry. It would be great to see some of the larger construction companies lead by example and show others the way.

I would be happy to connect if you have further thoughts on this topic, feel free to reach out on LinkedIn."

Willow Rolton
Qualified dogman, and crane operator.
Previous Chapter Chair for NAWIC Queenstown Lakes.

A new record number of nominations has been reached 

By Jen Tyson • 20 Mar, 2024
Now that nominations for our 2024 awards have officially closed, we would like to take a moment to express our gratitude and appreciation for all those who have taken the time to put a nomination in for themselves or someone else. We have reached a new record number with 242 submissions, this number has doubled in the last 3 years and the calibre of nominations remains high.

Encouragement from some amazing Wāhine toa - 2024 Awards buzz

By Jen Tyson • 13 Feb, 2024
In the spirit of providing some additional encouragement, we reached out to some of our amazing finalists and winners from last year to ask them a few questions about what it meant to them to be nominated, become a finalist and what they would say to others to encourage them to put themselves or someone else forward. Thanks to all those who opted to share and be part of the cheering squad for this years nominees.

Helen Moate - Wellington based Senior Project Manager Wins NZIOB Award

By Jen Tyson • 12 Nov, 2023
Today’s celebratory blog is about the outgoing Chapter Chair of the thriving Wellington chapter, Helen Moate. At the recent NZIOB Awards, Helen won the Consultants category, which was sponsored by NAWIC. Incoming Canterbury Chapter Chair, Kirsty Hopewell, was there to present the award on behalf of NAWIC.
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