This isn’t just a conversation. It’s a call to action.

For International Women’s Day 2025, Figurehead is taking a raw, self-reflective approach to the realities women face on construction sites. In this powerful video, real stories from women are read aloud by the men on our team. These aren’t just words; they are lived experiences that demand acknowledgment, accountability, and action.

“It’s been an honour to build a culture where we protect our own, but I’m taken back, and I’m unsettled with the truth women on our sites have bravely shared.
The trepidation of our women as they tackle their professions saddens me.
I want our industry to be better. I want us to be better. No more empty approaches.”
—Joe Grasso, Founder & Managing Director, Figurehead Group

The stories are real, unfiltered experiences from women who have worked on construction sites, including at Figurehead. These stories shed light on the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry, covering instances of harassment, exclusion, bias, and unsafe situations. Some of the content may be confronting or distressing, but these experiences need to be heard. While some of the individuals responsible are no longer on Figurehead sites, the impact of these moments still lingers, and the cultural issues they highlight remain real today. We share these stories not to dwell on the past, but to drive change, demand accountability, and ensure that no one else has to experience them. If we want better workplaces, we need to acknowledge the reality, listen, and take action. If you find any of this distressing, please seek support. You are not alone.

Beyond IWD and the Video - what Figurehead are doing:

• Compulsory Toolbox Talks – Every active site is stopping to have real conversations about respect, inclusion, and accountability. Change starts where it matters: on site.
• Pledge for Coffee Initiative – A small action with a big impact. Site teams are committing to real cultural change, whether that’s calling out poor behaviour, making space for women’s voices, or actively supporting female colleagues.
• Appropriate Behaviour Training – Every Figurehead staff member will undertake tailored in-person training with Mariah from Flawless HR, ensuring our entire team understands what’s acceptable, what’s not, and how we all contribute to a better workplace.
• Industry Engagement – We’re pushing the conversation beyond our own sites, working with industry bodies leaders to create real, lasting change across construction.
• Internal Voting for Investment in Change – We’re letting our team decide where Figurehead should invest in driving gender equality. Staff will vote on initiatives aimed at building pathways for women, as well as practical training to equip men with the tools to support and advocate for women in construction.
• Measuring Progress Beyond IWD – The work doesn’t stop here. We’re tracking our progress, holding ourselves accountable, and ensuring that the momentum continues well beyond a single day. Cultural change takes action, commitment, and consistency—and we’re in it for the long haul.

Our industry belongs to everyone. Will you step up?

Thank you to our collaborators:

• Video: Ryan Gasparini
• Graphic Design: Becc Sharrock Design