Women into Construction (WiC) has ceased operations after 16 years of promoting gender equality in the construction industry.
- The organisation ceased trading on 15th August 2024 due to financial challenges in the charitable and construction sectors.
- CBW Recovery has been tasked with managing the closure of the non-profit organisation.
- Jon Howlin of The Skills Centre praised the impact of WiC and its Managing Director, Kath Moore MBE.
- The closure highlights the ongoing need for industry-wide commitment to diversity and gender equality initiatives.
Women into Construction (WiC), an independent not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advancing gender equality within the construction sector, officially closed its doors on 15th August 2024. This decision comes after a year fraught with financial difficulties impacting both the charitable and construction sectors, leading WiC to acknowledge that its business model was no longer tenable in the current economic climate.
In handling its closure, WiC has appointed CBW Recovery to oversee the process, ensuring that all loose ends are tied up professionally. The organisation, through its efforts over the years, has left an indelible mark on the industry, having supported over 4,700 women and successfully placing 1,300 into employment—a testament to its impactful contributions.
Jon Howlin, chief executive of The Skills Centre, commended the organisation’s accomplishments under the leadership of Kath Moore MBE. “Kath Moore and her team have made a tremendous impact on our industry, supporting thousands of women and helping to break down barriers in construction,” he stated, highlighting the importance of sustaining the progress made in terms of diversity and inclusion.
The disbandment of WiC serves as a powerful reminder of the vital efforts required to maintain momentum in championing diversity within the industry. Howlin stressed the significance of continued collaboration among industry stakeholders to ensure that recent advancements in gender equality do not stall, reflecting a broader commitment to inclusivity.
Although WiC’s closure represents a significant loss, it also offers a reflective opportunity for the sector to re-evaluate and strengthen its collective resolve towards inclusive practices. The ongoing Women into Home Building programme by the Home Builders Federation exemplifies continued efforts to support women in construction.
This recent development calls upon all industry participants to unify in their pursuit of a more diverse workforce, ensuring that the strides made towards gender parity are not only preserved but expanded.
The closure of Women into Construction signals both an end and a call to action for ongoing commitment to gender equality in the industry.
