2nd – 8th March is Women in Construction Week, culminating in International Women’s Day, and we want to recognise the women who help build our projects, our teams and our future. From site to office, at TSL women play a vital role in driving innovation, safety, and excellence.
Compared to nearly 2 million men in construction, only 316,816 working in the industry are women.
At TSL, we are proud to work alongside women who break barriers, lead with confidence and inspire the next generation to see construction as a place where they belong.
Meet Adina Paun, one of our Site Managers. “There is space for strong, capable women in leadership roles, and that space is growing.”
Why did you choose this career?
I chose this career because I’ve always been drawn to the operational heart of construction. I’m interested in how planning, materials, logistics and people align on site to turn drawings into something tangible. Early in my career, I worked for a building materials supplier, which gave me a detailed understanding of specifications, procurement, lead times, and supply chains. That experience shaped my approach. It taught me that good decisions around materials and coordination often determine whether a project runs smoothly or struggles.
Progressing from trainee site manager to assistant project manager, then PCSA Project Coordinator and now Site Manager, has strengthened that foundation. I value the responsibility that comes with leading a site. There’s something deeply satisfying about solving problems in real time and guiding a team towards a shared result.
Have you got any advice for women scared to enter the industry?
Back yourself. Construction can appear daunting, but capability commands respect. Focus on building your knowledge, ask considerate questions and stand by your standards. You do not need to overcompensate or prove more than your peers.
The industry is evolving. There is space for strong, capable women in leadership roles, and that space is growing. Choose your mentors carefully, be clear about how you expect to be treated, and do not allow outdated assumptions to define your path.
What does International Women’s Day mean for you?
International Women’s Day is both a marker of progress and a reminder of responsibility. We have moved forward, but representation in operational leadership still matters. Visibility shapes ambition. When young women see female site managers, it quietly changes what feels possible.
For me, the day is about recognising achievement while staying focused on improvement. Progress should never make us complacent.
Do you have any advice for our next-generation, young girls?
Do not narrow your ambitions based on what seems conventional. Construction offers genuine responsibility, clear progression, and the opportunity to lead complex operations. It demands resilience, but it rewards effort.
Develop both technical competence and communication skills. Confidence grows through action. Say yes to opportunities that stretch you. Growth rarely happens in comfort.
What do you think you add to the TSL experience and team?
I bring operational clarity and a strong understanding of materials and supply chains, which supports effective planning and cost control on site. Having worked through multiple roles, I understand what each level of a team needs to perform well.
I prioritise structured, well-communicated environments where expectations are clear and standards are upheld. When challenges arise, I remain composed, and solution focused. A steady approach builds trust.
What has kept you motivated throughout your career?
Progress has been a powerful driver. Advancing from trainee to leadership roles reinforced my belief that consistency and hard work deliver tangible results.
I’m also motivated by accountability. Ultimately, the performance of the site and the wellbeing of the team sit with me. Delivering projects safely, on programme and to a high standard is not just a requirement, it is a personal commitment.
Do you have a role model that inspires you, and why?
I’m inspired by leaders who combine high standards with integrity. The strongest figures in construction lead through knowledge, fairness, and consistency rather than position alone.
Women who have progressed into senior operational roles in a traditionally male dominated environment are particularly inspiring. Their resilience and composure under pressure demonstrate what strong leadership truly looks like.
What change would you like to see in the world?
I would like to see genuine equality of opportunity across industries. Roles should be shaped by capability and work ethic, not by gender or background.
In construction, continued progress towards inclusive site cultures and transparent career pathways will strengthen the industry. Diverse leadership brings sharper thinking and better outcomes.
Can you give me an example of one thing you’re proud of through your career?
I’m proud of progressing through several roles while studying construction management in the evenings. Balancing academic development with increasing professional responsibility required discipline and resilience.
Reaching Site Manager level through sustained performance and steady improvement is something I take real pride in. It represents years of focus, not luck.
Meet Emily Kemp, our HSEQ (Health, Safety, Environment and Quality) Executive. “Pursue what you love.”
Why did you choose this career?
I decided to pursue a career in Health & Safety within the industry as I had previously worked in agriculture and was keen to gain some experience in such a significant sector. I also wanted to be part of a forward-thinking company that was exploring how to break down construction stereotypes.
Have you got any advice for women scared to enter the industry?
Don’t be put off from joining an industry that is perceived to be male dominated. The right company will offer support and encouragement regardless!
What does International Women’s Day mean for you?
It is a celebration of the work we have done to address discrimination of women and how we empower them. It’s also a signal that more progress is still absolutely necessary to alleviate the biases women suffer not only within the workplace, but in education, healthcare and the media.
What do you think you add to the TSL experience and team?
I try to approach my role with understanding and kindness, keeping site teams and the business safe is a collaborative effort and should never be associated with any sort of negativity.
What has kept you motivated throughout your career?
Working in a business surrounded by people who are positive and constantly striving to go above and beyond.
Do you have a role model that inspires you, and why?
My family inspires me a lot, particularly my mum. I am lucky to be surrounded by strong, hardworking people, who have always been generous and kind. I have also been lucky to have worked with some forward-thinking Health & Safety professionals who have inspired me to continuously improve and innovate safety.
What change would you like to see in the world?
I would like to see the violence and aggression in the world so people could feel safer to live their lives authentically.
Can you give me an example of one thing you’re proud of through your career?
My proudest moment at TSL has been achieving technical status as a member of IOSH and working towards achieving my NEBOSH diploma.
Do you have any advice for our next-generation, young girls?
Pursue what you love, don’t be discouraged by discerning voices that have no place or impact in your life.
