Omnium International’s Luz S. Villacan speaks to ME Consultant about women in construction

We’re really proud of Luz’s success, not only with Omnium International, but throughout her career her drive to succeed has ensured Luz has worked hard to reach her senior position within our business. A true trailblazer, she is also the first Filipinae woman to be featured in ME Consultant so prominently.

Women in construction

Globally, construction has always been a male-dominated sector, with only 1-3 women in a class of 40-50 when Luz studied Civil Engineering.

Fortunately, things have improved and women are taking more courses that were once dominated by men, improving the levels of diversity within the industry.

There has always been a pre-conception that women cannot be successful in this region, so we’re really delighted to see how the construction industry is developing and becoming more open to women taking a lead role both in the GCC and worldwide.

Diversity with Omnium International

Omnium International strives to provide equal opportunities for all our employees and we welcome diversity, not only in terms of gender but also in nationality.

“22% of our staff are women – above average in the regional construction industry.”

We have introduced some fantastic schemes to promote work opportunities:

• A work experience initiative that allows young people to be mentored and guided in their career decision-making paths
• Sponsorship for three staff members to undertake a post graduate Quantity Surveying degree programme – 2 of our 3 members of staff currently studying are working mothers

When asked “what advice would you give to a woman entering the GCC construction industry today?” Luz responded:

“Have conviction in your ability. Don’t let the pre-conceptions of this region make you doubt your ability to succeed. Even if it may not seem like it at first, the industry is open to women taking a leading role.”

Congratulations Luz on this fantastic feature, which showcases Omnium and our people so well.