NAWIC CEO Cathryn Greville explains the power of language in shaping an inclusive construction industry
I recently received a message from a service provider in the construction sector, addressing our organisation’s leadership as “Dear Sirs”. It was a painful reminder of just how far we still have to go to foster true inclusion and respect for women in the construction industry.
The sender, a man, sent the message on behalf of his organisation to the National Association of Women in Construction. And it immediately raised three key points:
1. First, it was clear that the sender didn’t grasp the level of attention to detail required in communicating with prospective clients – especially in an industry like construction, where service delivery involves substantial risk.
2. Second, in 2025, it’s both shocking and unacceptable that anyone would assume the leadership of a construction organisation would be entirely male, and that “Sirs” would be an appropriate salutation.
3. Third, it highlighted the critical need for inclusive language and the negative effects of failing to use it when engaging with stakeholders.
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This one message didn’t just miss the mark – it undermined the credibility and reputation of both the sender and his business. The failure to acknowledge the correct audience, paired with the outdated use of “Dear Sirs”, set back the goal of fostering inclusivity in this sector. A simple, more inclusive salutation like “Dear All” would have prevented this misstep.
But the issue runs deeper than just one poorly phrased communication. Language shapes our culture. It shapes who feels welcome, who holds power and who gets to drive change. For far too long, women have been excluded from professions and industries like construction. Gendered language is a direct reinforcement of that exclusion.
In the construction sector, where there’s already a struggle to attract, retain and promote women and address the skills gap, gendered language makes things even worse. It reinforces the idea that construction is a “man’s world” and discourages women from feeling like they belong or can thrive in the industry.
The stats don’t lie: women are underrepresented in leadership roles across many sectors, including construction, and the gender pay gap remains substantial. Construction holds the undesirable record for the highest gender pay gap in Australia, sitting at a staggering 31.8 per cent. Gendered language only serves to perpetuate these inequalities.
Men in the construction industry have a unique opportunity to drive cultural change. Indeed, comprising close to 88 per cent of the industry itself, men are essential in this change management journey.
It is critical that those in leadership roles, particularly men, actively contribute to building a fair, inclusive and respectful environment. The responsibility falls on all of us to call out outdated practices like gendered language, and to lead by example.
This isn’t just about improving business outcomes – it’s about setting a new standard in the industry. One in which fair, inclusive and respectful behaviour is the norm and the expectation.
Creating an inclusive environment benefits everyone. The diversity of perspectives and experiences that women bring to construction makes the industry stronger, more resilient and better equipped to solve complex challenges. Not only does this promote fairness, but it also directly correlates to business success.
To those still using outdated salutations like “Dear Sirs”, I urge you to recognise the broader implications – both on your company’s reputation and on the industry as a whole. Failing to embrace inclusivity doesn’t just harm women – it harms everyone. Diversity is not only a reflection of the communities we serve, but also a catalyst for innovation and progress in the industry.
The truth is, change is not just needed, it’s already long overdue. It’s time for men in construction to take a stand, to challenge the status quo, and to create a culture that respects, includes and empowers all voices. After all, a diverse, inclusive community makes our industry stronger, more capable and ready to face the challenges ahead. Let’s create a space where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive.
NAWIC was established for the purposes of promoting and creating opportunities for women in construction. The organisation is, and has always been, proudly women-led.
NAWIC’s Male Allies program is specifically designed for men to understand and champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Join us in building a fair, inclusive and respectful industry. You can find out more on NAWIC’s website: https://nawic.com.au/Site/Site/Events/Courses-and-Education/New_Male-Allies-Program.aspx
Readers may also be interested in property company, Brickworks UK’s ‘Dear Sirs’ campaign to eradicate the use of non-inclusive language in the workplace. https://withbrickworks.com/stories/dear-sirs-a-campaign-to-eradicate-non-inclusive-language-in-the-workplace