Master Builders Victoria celebrated our 2023 International Women’s Day (IWD) event this morning with a sold-out breakfast at the Sofitel Melbourne. More than 600 people from the building and construction industry came together to discuss equity and innovation, and the importance of encouraging more women to enter the industry.

Master Builders Victoria CEO (Interim), Michaela Lihou began the presentations with an engaging message on the value and importance of achieving real equity for women within our industry and shared an inspirational personal story about her own journey.  

Our event MC, Jo Stanley, television, radio, and podcast personality, then introduced our guest speakers Lauren Matthews, Acting Executive Director and Director of Programs at the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission and Kelly Cartwright OAM, former Gold Medallist Paralympian. Following their presentations, these insightful speakers took part in a lively panel discussion, where they were joined by Duncan Bryce, Head of Building Solutions with the Bunnings Group. The discussion centred around the challenges and opportunities of developing a workforce where diversity, equity and inclusion are genuinely valued.

MBV CEO (Interim), Michaela Lihou, said that with increasing demands on the industry and workforce shortages, there has probably never been a more pertinent time to reflect on the barriers currently preventing women from entering the industry, and the innovations which need to be adapted to clear those barriers.

Michaela Lihou also stated that “unfortunately, striving for gender equity in our industry has been a very long and slow burn. The stats tell us that women have consistently comprised only two per cent of field-based workers in the Australian construction sector over the past 30-years.” Michaela also reminded guests that we are making progress, albeit slowly - of the more than 50,000 apprentices and trainees who entered the industry in 2022, 37 per cent were women which has increased from 31 per cent in 2018. Michaela said that “this is about striving for overall industry best practice, to deliver better outcomes and a stronger Victorian industry and economy.”

Closing remarks were delivered by MBV President, Mark Little, who thanked our generous event sponsors again: Centerpiece Event Sponsor – Bunnings Trade, Industry Partner - Incolink and other valued Sponsors - Cbus, Built Environs, AHB Group, AGL, and Multiplex.  

We want to thank everyone who attended this wonderful event, we hope to see you at more MBV events in the future.