Q&A with Gemma Kenyon: Are on-site perceptions still outdated?

For women entering construction, some of the biggest barriers can exist before they ever step onto a site. Outdated perceptions around physical ability, safety and what a career in construction looks like continue to influence how young women view the sector, despite the range of opportunities now available. Changing those perceptions requires greater visibility, better education and more women being seen and heard across the industry.

We asked Senior Project Manager and Client Relation Gemma Kenyon to talk about her own experience of working on construction sites, some of the misconceptions that still exist around women in the industry, and why greater visibility could encourage more young women to consider careers they may currently be overlooking.

Why do you think so many young people still have the wrong perception of women working in construction?

It’s actually something I’ve only started thinking about more recently following a conversation with the MD of an electrical firm.

They regularly visit a local school to discuss apprenticeships but rarely see any interest from young women. During a workshop they asked students what could be done to encourage more girls onto construction sites, and some of the feedback was unbelievable.

Suggestions included women carrying tasers for protection, that women weren’t physically strong enough to do the work, and even that PPE needed to be made more appealing for girls.I just thought it was really sad that this is how some young people see the industry.

Social media probably plays a part in creating these misconceptions, alongside what young people see in films and elsewhere. Things are getting better, but I still think there is a lack of visible role models showing young women what these careers are actually like.

What have you observed about site culture during the projects you’ve worked on?

I can only speak from my own experience because every company and project will be different, but at Rhino I genuinely see strong teamwork.

We work with many of the same subcontractors repeatedly, so naturally we develop strong relationships. But when new contractors join a project, we want to create that same positive environment with them.

Communication can be direct, but it needs to be. We’re solving problems quickly, so people have to be clear, honest and practical with each other.

There’s banter, and I 100% get involved in it! For me, it’s no different to having a laugh with colleagues in the office. In all my time at Rhino, I’ve never witnessed bullying or harassment on site. There is a real respect for each other.

I genuinely feel happiest when I’m on site. I’m constantly learning, and contractors are always willing to show me how things work. You see the pride people take in what they’re delivering too. That’s why I always make sure positive client feedback is shared with our contractors at the end of a project because they’ve been a key part of achieving it.

What would you say to a young woman considering a career in construction who isn’t sure it’s for her?

It might require a bit of research but honestly try and find a mentor or role model and speak to them. There are more women working in construction now, so there are plenty of opportunities to connect with people and hear about their experiences.

I genuinely think young women are missing out on good careers because of misconceptions about the industry. These are jobs that can give you a real sense of reward and pride.

My dad was in the trade, and I used to follow him around whenever he was working at home. I thought I was going to grow up knowing how to plumb a toilet and fix my boiler! My life took a slightly different path, but look where I’ve ended up. Now I get the privilege of understanding not just one trade, but all of them.

And I definitely don’t feel any less feminine when I’m wearing hi-vis, a hard hat and boots. If anything, I feel empowered.

What makes a construction site a great place to work, regardless of gender?

Communication is the first thing. After that, it’s working alongside people with good values who are driven to succeed, look out for one another and celebrate the successes and learn from the failures.

Things won’t always go perfectly on a project. It’s how you overcome those challenges as a team that matters, and I always feel part of that team when I’m on site.

Is there one thing the industry could do today to encourage more women into construction?

We do just need more examples of women actually doing these jobs and talking about their experiences.

That is the thing I’d also like to see more being done in schools and colleges to challenge some of the misconceptions young women might already have and give female professionals the opportunity to share what their careers are really like. There are people that do this and while it is a really positive thing, I would just like to see it conducted in a way that actively gives more young people, not just women, the opportunity to get into these types of roles.

Do you think the conversation should still be about ‘women in construction’, or should we focus on creating better workplaces for everyone?

I think talking about ‘women in construction’ can still provide reassurance to young women and show them that there are people like them already working successfully in the industry.

But ultimately, there should be the same opportunities for everyone. Women shouldn’t need to be treated differently because of their gender or the environment they’re working in. It is always going to be portrayed as that but in 2026, opportunity should be open to everyone.

So much of this is also about representation. The more normal it becomes to see women across every part of construction, hopefully the less we’ll need to make the distinction of it specifically being ‘women in construction.’

How important is it to show young women what working on a construction site is actually like?

I think it’s really important, because some of the perceptions simply don’t match my experience.

Even something as basic as PPE can contribute to the idea that construction isn’t designed for women. But if those misconceptions stop someone from considering a career, they could be missing out on some brilliant opportunities.

That’s why I think showing reality matters. I can only talk about my own experience, but if sharing what my working life on site actually looks like helps break down some of that stigma, then hopefully it makes someone else think maybe I could do that too.

It takes time to enact change but we are hoping to spark more conversations on these topics through our staff and connections. There are plenty of opportunities to increase awareness and representation of women working in the construction industry and we are actively looking at ways to do this throughout the year in an effort to lead the conversation and just be a part of it.