Breaking Barriers: Women Pioneering in Heavy Construction
Case study
Author: Reka Vasszi
As the heavy construction industry continues to evolve, the role of women in shaping its future becomes increasingly significant. With advancements in digital technology opening up new opportunities and breaking down barriers, women like Simona Kjaergaard, Frederikke Have, Annette Storgaard, Barbel Holm, Iuliana-Madalina Ionescu are leading the way, driving innovation, and fostering inclusivity. Through determination, skill, and embracing technological advancements, women are not just entering the field but thriving in it.
From developing software for machine control to enhancing safety measures on construction sites, women are leveraging their skills and expertise to drive innovation and inclusivity in the industry.
Simona Kjaergaard: Pioneering Technology in Heavy Construction
Simona Kjaergaard's journey into the world of heavy construction technology is a testament to how the industry can attract talent from diverse backgrounds. "The industry picked me," she says with a smile. Kjaergaard started her career with Leica Geosystem’s Machine Control Division during her studies and has since become a crucial part of the company. Reflecting on her career path, she emphasises the importance of women bringing a different perspective to the field. "Women provide a different view on the topic. I've challenged the views of my male colleagues, and they've realised that I was right," she says confidently.
Kjaergaard's advice to other women considering a career in heavy construction is simple yet powerful: "Go for it! Knowing very technical things and being able to understand and explain them further is the best feeling in the world."
Frederikke Have: Redefining Efficiency in Construction
For Frederikke Have, developing technology for heavy construction was a path that unfolded through coincidence and opportunity. Starting as a tester, she eventually became a software engineer programming the movements of excavators. One of her proudest achievements is a new feature she helped design, allowing for precise surface levelling with minimal manual input. "It feels like I am an experienced machine operator despite not being that 'good' at controlling the excavator manually," Have explains.
She believes women contribute uniquely to construction by advocating for smarter, more efficient solutions. "Women are probably good at speaking up and finding more 'clever' solutions to manual labour," she notes. Have stresses the importance of inclusivity in the workplace, emphasising the need to create an environment where both men and women feel valued and respected.
Annette Storgaard: Empowering Change Through Technology
Annette Storgaard's transition from working with student databases to supporting heavy construction customers with technology implementation. Reflecting on her journey, she emphasises embracing change and exploring new opportunities. "Going from understanding student data to understanding the business of heavy construction, what a fun and interesting journey it has been," she says enthusiastically.
Storgaard believes technology is pivotal in empowering people in heavy construction, particularly regarding safety and efficiency. "In machine control, we make solutions that help the industry work smarter, get it right the first time, and have less rework," she explains. She encourages women to pursue careers in heavy construction, emphasising that skillset and passion truly matter, regardless of gender.
Storgaard believes technology is pivotal in empowering people in heavy construction, particularly regarding safety and efficiency. "In machine control, we make solutions that help the industry work smarter, get it right the first time, and have less rework," she explains. She encourages women to pursue careers in heavy construction, emphasising that skillset and passion truly matter, regardless of gender.
Barbel Holm: Harnessing Passion for Innovation
Barbel Holm's trajectory into the realm of heavy construction technology was more of a serendipitous encounter than a predetermined career path. Reflecting on her journey, she explains, "I did not really plan to pursue a career in the heavy construction industry. It feels more like the heavy construction industry chose me." Recalling the job opening at Leica Geosystems, she fondly remembers, "The Machine Control division was looking for a C++ developer with skills in computational geometry. That was a perfect fit for me with my background in math." Holm's passion for technology and penchant for challenging opportunities found a perfect match at Leica Geosystems.
Engaged in enhancing data flow within the machine control portfolio, Holm expresses pride, noting, "With my team, we are currently working on improving the data flow in our portfolio. It makes me especially proud as I know it brings value to our customers and users." Highlighting the impact of technology on safety in construction, she asserts, "Our technology in Machine Control increases safety on construction sites around the world for both, women and men." She concludes on a note of inclusivity, advocating for a collaborative environment, saying, "Together, we can create a culture and an environment in the heavy construction industry where men and women can thrive!"
Iuliana-Madalina Ionescu: Driving Innovation and Safety in Heavy Construction
With a background in geodesy, Iuliana-Madalina Ionescu found her calling in developing technology for heavy construction. Her contributions include the iCON Site Excavator solution, which enhances productivity, and the Leica Spider Software Suite, which streamlines data management. Discussing technology's role in ensuring safety for women in heavy construction, Ionescu emphasises the Leica PA10 solution. She explains, "The Leica PA10 solution ensures safety on construction sites by allowing personnel, including women, to wear wearable tags that communicate with machinery and vehicles."
Ionescu advises aspiring women in heavy construction to embrace their strengths, persevere through challenges, and seek supportive mentors. Her journey exemplifies how diverse backgrounds and technological innovations reshape the construction industry.
Advancing Inclusivity Through Digitalisation
The integration of digital technology not only enhances operational efficiency but also fosters a more inclusive environment in heavy construction. Virtual collaboration platforms enable remote work opportunities, accommodating individuals with diverse needs and circumstances. Safer construction sites, remote operation, and automatised workflows open up many new possibilities for everyone passionate about shaping the future of infrastructure.
Women like Simona, Frederikke, Annette, Barbel, Madalina and many more are at the forefront of developing these digital tools to drive efficiency, safety, sustainability and diversity in the construction industry. By embracing these technological advancements, such as machine control, the industry enhances its productivity and competitiveness but fosters a more inclusive culture where talent thrives, irrespective of gender.
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