A call for inclusion, respect and opportunity
What began over a century ago as a movement advocating for women’s rights, fair working conditions and equal participation in society has grown into a global call to action for inclusion, respect and opportunity. For companies operating in traditionally maledominated industries such as construction, marking International Women’s Day carries particular significance. It is a chance to recognise progress, address persistent barriers, and reaffirm the commitment to creating workplaces where everyone feels valued and able to contribute fully. These conversations don’t just strengthen culture — they also make teams safer, more innovative and more resilient.
Across Implenia Norway’s head office and all Norwegian projects, International Women’s Day events organised by many team members in early March brought together employees across roles and disciplines and created space for conversations about how we can contribute together to a more inclusive working environment. Here is a glimpse at a few of these activities.
Joint reflection session at Tangenvika
At the Tangenvika project, the team gathered for a reflection session with food and drinks and good conversations, as project manager Martin Schweizok underlined. In group discussions, several themes recurred:
- Awareness of jokes and humour, and how it can be perceived differently
- The importance of inclusion during the workday
- That it can often be challenging to detect when you unconsciously seem exclusionary
Workshop “Inclusive working environment” at Moss
The team at the Sandbukta-Moss-Såsad project participated in a workshop on an inclusive working environment during the project’s information meeting. The initiative also became part of an awareness week throughout the project. Here, too, participants reflected on how humour, comments and daily interactions can be experienced differently, and how both colleagues and managers can contribute to a safe and respectful workplace. It was also highlighted that inclusion is a shared responsibility, and that small actions in everyday life can make a big difference.
Discussion on distribution of jobs at Kvitsøy
At the Rogfast project, on Kvitsøy, the conversations touched on the division of work, attitudes and how the working environment is experienced in practice. “Among other things, we talked about how women can often end up with slightly less desirable tasks, and that this is done with the explanation that ‘women are much better at them'”, explains Sunniva Hamsund, HMS Leader and PES Safety. “We also discussed the importance of being aware of attitudes: Even if something is not meant badly, it can still feel hurtful”, she underlines.
Creating the basis for good discussions and reflection
At the Lysaker-Fornebu project, HR Director Sigrunn Lid gave a presentation that formed the basis for good discussions and reflection. “The shared message is: Diversity and inclusion strengthen both the working environment and the business”, Sigrunn explains.
International Women’s Day thus became an important opportunity to highlight perspectives from across the organisation. Across projects and workplaces, the message was clear: An inclusive working environment leads to better collaboration and makes us stronger together.
