BMD interview series for International Women’s Day – Alex Ewer

At BMD our business is our people. BMD recognises the importance of gender diversity in the construction industry and believes in the value that different perspectives can add to our business. During an interview series in the lead up to International Women’s Day, meet some of our female employees to learn how they are breaking the bias.

ALEX EWER, SAFETY ADVISOR, SHARES HER STORY FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

I AM…

I am the eldest of two siblings and I was born in Gympie, Queensland. I was raised there until my family relocated to a small town near Gladstone where I completed high school.

I started with BMD as a Project Administrator three years ago, hoping to gain new career opportunities within the company. Two years later I was offered a Safety Advisor Traineeship which I have recently completed. Now I am back working in my hometown of Gympie as a Safety Advisor.

When I’m not at work I enjoy keeping fit, spending quality time with my husband, family, and friends. I love being outdoors and you will usually find me at the beach, in our boat or camping.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BREAK THE BIAS?

My female colleagues and I face daily challenges with gender stereotypes and bias, and we still have a long way to go before genders are seen as equal.

Construction is predominantly a male dominated workforce, and we need to promote a positive visibility of women in this industry.

I believe BMD is doing amazing things supporting women in construction and working for a company that champions women is something that I am proud of.

I hope to one day have children, and I want to reassure them that when they grow up, they can be whoever they want to be, and strive for a career they love. Breaking the bias will ensure my children will have those opportunities without gender discrimination.

HOW DO YOU COMMIT TO HELPING BREAK THE BIAS?

I commit to breaking the bias by coming to work each day ready to work hard, learn and progress in my career to show that women can be successful in these roles. I want to influence other women to work in the construction industry, and to be a role model to younger women working for BMD ­­- someone who they can look to for guidance or advice.

BMD has partnered with an organisation called UNIQ You that connects high school girls to women in industries that are commonly male dominated, hoping to encourage young girls into these careers or show them other options that may not be traditional pathways. I was selected to become an advisor so I can pass on my knowledge and experience to younger women and hopefully encourage these girls to break the mould and enter a career in construction.

People outside of our industry and organisation often don’t understand or underestimate my role and capabilities. As I face people who have bias towards women in the construction industry, whether it be implicit or intentional, I hope I can educate these people and influence their beliefs and mindset and help them understand that we should all be treated as equal no matter our gender.

WHY DO YOU SEE A LONG TERM CAREER AT BMD?

At BMD I am made to feel like a valued member of my team. My career progression is recognised, and I’m supported by my mentors and senior management.

BMD’s core values make you feel very welcome and as though you are part of an extended family. BMD management were mindful that my parents lived in Gympie, so they ensured my husband (who also works for BMD) and I were put on a project in Gympie so we could be close to them while there was work nearby. Working for a company that embraces not only you, but also your family is truly wonderful.

As a woman working in construction, I feel extremely valued, supported and celebrated at BMD.

International Women’s Day is held on March 8. It recognises the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

The IWD 2022 theme, Break the Bias, envisages a world free of bias where difference is valued and celebrated.