Accelerating action: Breaking barriers and building bridges in project management

“You belong in every room you step into.” These words became my guiding principle as I navigated spaces where I was often the only woman, the only person of colour, or the only one with a non-traditional path into project management.

As we mark International Women’s Day 2025, the theme “Accelerate Action” calls for advancing women to lead change, drive sustainability, and foster inclusive business practices. Progress has been made, yet women — particularly in male-dominated industries like STEM and project management — continue to face barriers to leadership, career progression and decision-making roles.

Having started my career in Computer Engineering as an Automation and Access Control Engineer, then later transitioning into Construction Project Management, I have seen first-hand the challenges of navigating industries where women are underrepresented. In meetings, I had to assert myself more to be heard. But rather than retreat, I leaned into the discomfort, proving my competence through action. I have also witnessed how mentorship, advocacy and strategic actions can create pathways for women to thrive.

So, how do we accelerate action and ensure that gender equality is more than just a goal, but a reality?

From engineering to project management: A shift in perspective

Starting out in Automation and Access Control, I quickly realised that being one of the few women in the room came with preconceived expectations and unconscious biases. My technical expertise was often questioned — until a male colleague validated it. I had to work twice as hard to prove my skills and earn credibility.

Moving into Construction Project Management, the gender gap was even more pronounced. I saw how women’s ideas were often overlooked, only to be recognised when repeated by a male counterpart. This reinforced a hard truth: competence alone does not guarantee recognition — systemic biases must be dismantled.

Why we must accelerate action

To advance women’s leadership, sustainability and inclusion, we must move from conversations to strategic interventions.

1. Advancing women to lead change

Women bring fresh perspectives to leadership, yet they remain underrepresented in senior roles. To change this, we must:

Promote women into leadership positions — not just based on experience but also on potential.
Mentor and sponsor emerging female leaders, ensuring they receive the same opportunities as their male counterparts.
Challenge biases in promotions and leadership pipelines that favour traditional (often male-dominated) career paths.

As an Association for Project Management Project Challenge Mentor, I support students and emerging project managers, helping them build confidence and lead effectively. Through this, I have seen firsthand how guidance and advocacy can propel women into leadership roles.

2. Driving sustainability

Sustainability is more than an environmental issue — it’s about long-term social and economic resilience. Women play a crucial role in this by:

Championing sustainable project management that balances financial, social and environmental considerations.
Advocating for inclusive policies that ensure women have a seat at the table in green innovation, infrastructure and technology projects.
Leading community-driven projects that uplift underrepresented groups and create lasting impact.

As an APM Women in Project Management Interest Network Volunteer and Education Ambassador, I encourage young women to pursue careers in project management, particularly in sustainability-focused industries. Through mentorship, career workshops and educational outreach, I help bridge the gap between aspiration and opportunity.

3. Fostering inclusive business practices

Diversity is not just about representation it’s about creating an environment where everyone can thrive. To build truly inclusive workplaces, we must:

Implement policies that support women’s retention and career growth, such as flexible work arrangements, equal pay and leadership training.
Ensure diversity in decision-making roles so that women’s perspectives shape business strategies.
Hold organisations accountable for fostering inclusive workplaces, where women can lead without barriers.

As an APM Northeast Regional Network Committee Member, I contribute to shaping initiatives that promote inclusivity in project management. By engaging with professionals, students, and industry leaders, I help create a more equitable and supportive space for women in the field.

Creating pathways for young professionals

One of the turning points in my journey was founding and chairing the Project Management Society at Teesside University. Leading a community of over 400 students, I organised: Career development workshops with industry professionals, mentorship programs that connected students with role models, opportunities for women to step into leadership roles.

This experience reinforced my belief that representation matters. When young women see others like them thriving, they believe it’s possible for them too.

Beyond my professional journey, I founded Lifebleach Social Enterprise, dedicated to empowering young graduates through career development. Through this initiative, I:

Mentor and train young professionals, particularly women, to build confidence, skills and career resilience.
Develop partnerships with local sponsors and stakeholders to fund free IT literacy programs for disadvantaged communities in Nigeria.
Coordinate talent management projects that connect young women with opportunities in tech, engineering, and project management.

This work is a testament to what happens when we take action, in our little spaces — opportunities are created, barriers are broken and lives are transformed.

A call to action

For women in project management:

Amplify your voice — share your experiences, mentor others and challenge the status quo.
Step into leadership — take up decision-making roles and use your influence to drive change.
Create supportive networks that uplift and empower the next generation.

For organisations and industry leaders:

Hire, promote and mentor women—diversity in leadership drives business success.
Fund and support initiatives that foster gender equality, sustainability and inclusion.
Move beyond performative gestures to tangible actions that create systemic change.

The time for action is now

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, let us not only acknowledge the progress made but accelerate the momentum. Advancing women into leadership, driving sustainability and fostering inclusivity requires action from all of us.

IWD 2025 is not just about celebrating progress — it’s about driving real, lasting change.

Let’s accelerate action together.