LEADING LIGHTS

What comes to mind when you hear women in construction?

The first thought is that of a woman carrying cement or bricks or buckets of water – an unskilled job. Today, women have come a long way from nearly doing an unskilled job and today take pride of place in board rooms as project heads, as VPs, among other things, and all in leading real estate and infrastructure companies.

Introducing the conference to an all women audience, Jayashree Mendes, editor, Construction Week, emphasised on the empathetic nature of women and how erudition is taking them places.

Welcoming the guests, Indrajeet Saoji, Group Publishing director, ITP Media, India, said that this event celebrates the indomitable spirit of women in the Construction industry. “As we begin on this exploration and dialogue, I am reminded of the profound symbolism ingrained in the Indian culture, particularly in the concept of Ardhnareshvar, the composite neutral form of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. Even in the realm of the construction industry considered impossible for women, and considering that much of the country is still to be built, there is a need to recognise the need of the feminine superpower.”

Welcoming the audience in its own way, Rajdyuti Dasgupta, senior marketing manager, Schueco India, spoke about how her company is eager to have more women force join the company and the difficulty faced in hiring experienced women. “It is heart-warming to know that my company supported me during my tough pregnancy. Not being from the construction industry has also helped me understand the industry and bring creative ideas to this sector. It is important to nurture learning and then sustain ourselves.”