Encouraging confidence in women in construction

This International Women's Day our Director of Development Delivery, Victoria Mager, reflects on the challenges she’s faced throughout her career, and the rewards of working to provide housing for people over 55.

The construction industry needs a women’s input.

I've been part of Anchor’s development team since 2013 and have a background in project management. Over that time I've worked to help deliver an average of at least 500 homes a year over a rolling 10-year period, in addition to growing the number of homes provided for people in residential care.

When I first started in the property sector it was extremely noticeable when I was on site that I was the only woman, whereas now there are more opportunities for women to get involved and I don’t stand out as much. It’s great to see some positive change in the number of women working in construction and getting involved with development delivery, but there’s still a long way to go in terms of making it an equal environment and more appealing to woman in general.

My advice to women looking to work in the industry is not to try to fit in or conform, despite what you may feel compelled to do. The industry needs our input as we are, and I’ve found my female perspective can offer a refreshing change to pre-existing dynamics. Women can bring a new style of collaboration and negotiation, as well as a different point of view.

I’ve had experience with people not knowing how to interact with me as a woman in a more senior role, but I think it ultimately comes down to believing in who you are and what you can offer. I now lead a team of construction and commissioning professionals overseeing Anchor’s sites, and it’s extremely rewarding to see the tangible outcomes from our hard work.

Diversifying the workforce is also helping the industry to approach mental health issues better. Previously there was more that would be left unsaid and unaddressed, whereas now conversation is encouraged and having people coming from a range of different backgrounds is helping create more discussions and understanding.

Find out more about a career with Anchor

Anchor is England’s largest not-for-profit provider of housing and care for people in later life, providing retirement housing to rent and buy, retirement villages and residential care homes. We are leading employer of more than 9,000 people across a variety of roles. To find out more about Anchor, our culture and where you fit in, visit our Careers pages here.