The Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITB NI), in partnership with the Women in Construction Network (WICN), will host the Women in Construction Summit 2026, 24th March 2026 at The Dunadry Hotel, bringing together professionals, leaders and supporters from across Northern Ireland’s construction and built environment sector.
The Women in Construction Summit 2026 will offer delegates the opportunity to hear from industry voices, expand professional networks and contribute to discussions that will help shape the future of construction in Northern Ireland.
Under the theme “Challenges We Face. Solutions We Build” the Summit will provide a platform for honest discussion and practical insight into the issues shaping the industry today. From workforce capacity and skills development to leadership, sustainability, regulatory change and commercial pressure, the event will focus on how the sector can respond collectively and build lasting solutions.
The full-day conference will explore the realities facing women working in construction, as well as the wider structural and cultural challenges impacting the industry. Sessions will examine leadership and accountability, supply chain resilience, digital delivery, innovation, and the importance of creating inclusive, supportive pathways into and through construction careers.
A keynote highlight of the Summit will be a live “In Conversation” session with Michaela Wain EDI advocate and finalist of the 2017 BBC The Apprentice, with summit host and broadcaster Sarah Travers. This interactive discussion will focus on leadership, training, apprenticeships and inclusion, with opportunities for audience participation, reinforcing the Summit’s emphasis on shared responsibility and collective progress.
Speaking ahead of the event, Rachel Dorovatas, CITB NI, said:
“The Women in Construction Summit is a call to action for our industry. The challenges we face, from skills shortages and workforce sustainability to cultural change that requires commitment from everyone. This Summit is about coming together to challenge thinking, share solutions and build an industry that works better for women and for the sector.”
Shauna Young, Women in Construction Network (WICN), added:
“This Summit reflects the strength and potential of women across construction. By bringing people together to share experience, challenge barriers and focus on solutions, we continue to build momentum for positive change across the industry. An inclusive construction industry is not just the right thing to do, it is essential for productivity, resilience and long-term success. Events like this help us turn ambition into action.”
Nuala Griffiths, ESG Manager Heron Bros, commented:
“The Women in Construction Summit creates an important space for open, practical conversations about the realities of our industry. It encourages collaboration, challenges assumptions and helps organisations better understand how inclusive leadership strengthens teams, performance and delivery.”
Tickets for the Women in Construction Summit 2026 start at £80 for early bird. Visit https://bit.ly/4a62doq Follow CITB NI on website www.citbni.org.uk, Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram and LinkedIn #Womeninconstruction.