I’m a British Asian Woman Working in Construction

In the dynamic world of construction, where steel and concrete meet innovation, there exists an underrepresented community – British Asian women.

In this evolving landscape, DESIblitz had the privilege of sitting down with Amrita Panesar*.

Residing and living in Birmingham, UK, Amrita is an anomaly in this industry which is dominated by males.

Whilst women exist within more office-based roles, and some do make it through to the physical sites, British Asian women are certainly not faces you see normally within construction. 

Unfortunately, with this comes experiences of stereotypes, adversity, and microaggressions.

Amrita’s story is not one of extraordinary circumstances but rather an insight into how this industry still holds certain prejudices.

However, that’s not to say it has not come with tales of success also. And, it’s important to highlight both sides of this demanding job. 

As we dive into Amrita’s story, her interactions hold a profound impact and could ignite more British Asian women to follow this type of career. 

What led you to choose a career in construction?

I started in the construction industry a little under two years ago.

While considering leaving a job in which I was unhappy, the opportunity was presented to me by a recruitment agency representative.

I was willing to try anything.

So, I took the opportunity for the interview with both hands and ran with it.

Although my journey so far has been short, I have been lucky enough to progress within the two years and I am now in my second role within the company.

Having started in a more sales customer-focused position, I have been able to move into a project delivery role where I control and manage projects – I feel I am thriving.

Outside of this role, I had never considered moving into the construction industry.

I stepped into the industry and learned as I went and have found something which I am pretty good at.

Have you faced specific challenges as a British Asian woman?

More often than not when people see my name in my email signature, they automatically assume I am a male.

Only to find out I am not when they hear my voice on the other side of the phone or meet me in person – this is the first challenge.

Unfortunately, the attitude people have towards you changes. Not majorly but sometimes it is noticeable.

Being a woman in the industry is hard but then you throw in being South Asian, it adds another obstacle.

This being said I am lucky enough that I have had very few instances where I have faced the ignorance of others.

I think it is the attitude of others which has been the problem.

“You have to fight for the level of respect a man would get.”

You also have to push hard for people to have confidence in you and to understand that you are capable of delivering their project.

Fortunately, a few of my seniors at work are women who are from other backgrounds – including South Asian.

Knowing that it is possible for a woman like me to be in a senior position has helped push me and their support and advice have been excellent when I have faced any problems.

I am also lucky that my employer is also very supportive and inclusive.

Have you experienced any instances of discrimination?

On one of my sites, we had an external visit.

Comments were made towards me which would not have been made if I wasn’t “brown” or “Asian”.

The experience was something that completely threw me off as it is not something you expect in this day and age, let alone in a professional environment.

As annoyed as I felt after, I very quickly got over it.

I went through the correct channels and reported the incident and it was dealt with adequately.

It was only when I spoke with my parents about it that I felt upset.

Seeing how upset they were upset me.

It made me realise that my parents and my grandparents didn’t come to this country and fight for their rights to be here just for their children/grandchildren to then be treated in such an inappropriate manner.

It’s hard to be prepared for an experience like this but I know if I do face something like this again I will be slightly more ready for it.

I also know I will have the confidence to shut the individual and their remarks down rather than brush it off while it happens.

How have you challenged gender stereotypes in a male-dominated industry?

Although the industry is male-dominated, I am fortunate enough to have seniors and other colleagues who are women.

Their support has been a lot and understanding how they deal with sexism has also been very helpful.

“I am also lucky that the males I work with aren’t ignorant or sexist.”

They’re extremely supportive.

Being a woman who sounds and looks the way I do and being in this industry has challenged gender stereotypes.

When I get to the site, or I am holding a meeting and instructing primarily men what to do, the usual stereotype is completely thrown out of the window.

It’s pretty empowering to be able to instruct others on what to do and run a whole project.

What motivates you to continue working in construction?

Something that motivates me is knowing how well I am doing at something I thought I would never do.

It’s something quite personal also as I come from a family of women and that in itself has also been a challenge.

Our parents never had a boy and coming from a South Asian background, this is something which they were heavily judged for.

Being girls, we grew up never being good enough.

I grew up with the thought that I don’t want to do what typically a woman would or should do and also that a girl can do what a boy can – if not even more.

I want to be strong, I want to be independent and I want to do things that a woman traditionally “shouldn’t” do.

It is this want that motivates me to continue.

I wasn’t raised to be a quitter and when times get hard I don’t quit.

Something else that motivates me is my willingness to break stereotypes and pave the way for others like me.

I want other South Asian girls to be comfortable in breaking the mould and if I can help with that, I certainly will.

I do feel a responsibility to pave the way for other South Asian women – not only those who are interested in going into the construction industry.

There aren’t enough of us in positions as unique as mine.

Can you discuss a challenging project or task you faced?

During the later part of my time in the industry, I faced many challenges when delivering projects.

Every day is different and every day may present challenges.

Coming into my current role with no previous knowledge or experience was particularly challenging.

I was learning as I was progressing and applying what I had learned almost immediately.

“So, I had to be both proactive and reactive to every situation I was put in.”

I think coming to terms with the challenges (and potential challenges) very quickly also helped me overcome the difficulties.

If you come into it thinking there aren’t going to be challenges and that it will be smooth sailing you almost set yourself up in the worst way possible.

I had to be realistic in my approach to the role and the industry.

How has the construction industry changed in terms of diversity?

As I have been in the industry for a short while I have not seen a lot of change.

I have however seen women in the company gain promotions and become more senior in the business.

I think the continuing trend of hiring people from different backgrounds will help with further changes.

It’s a slow-moving thing and change won’t be seen overnight as the industry is so vast.

However, with anything, it will change and become even more diverse and inclusive over time.

Would you encourage more South Asian women to enter construction?

I 100% would. It’s a great field to work in!

I would say even if it is not what you think a woman should be doing or if it is what your family/peers think a woman should be doing you SHOULD do it.

We often let the opinions of others get in the way of what we truly believe is right for us and I think it’s time for us to break that.

The industry isn’t for those with thin skin.

But, you do develop a thick skin over time – so if you do move into the industry, just know it won’t always be tough.

Yes, there will be constant challenges and you have to be proactive in your approach and also be reactive during your role.

“However, once you face one challenge the next time you face it it won’t be half as bad.”

Persevere, be strong and just remember if they can do it, you can too.

You might even surprise yourself with your capabilities. I know I have.

Can you share a key lesson or insight that has impacted you?

It is key to learn from your mistakes and also own them.

I always confess to making a mistake and do not hide behind others.

I feel it is best to own them and learn from them because then when you are at the end of a project it makes the successes feel even better.

Knowing that you made a mistake but then overcame it to successfully deliver is rewarding.

Learning from mistakes is also rewarding as it’s that knowledge which helps you move forward and further succeed during the next project and the next and the next after that.

Emotionally, how do you view your role in the construction?

To me, my role in the construction industry is exactly that – it’s a role within the industry. But it is a role which I am proud of.

I take pride in all of my work and I do believe I play a key part in my team and my region.

It is a role which has further built me both professionally and personally.

I have thicker skin, I am mentally stronger and well equipped to deal with situations inside and outside of work and I have even more confidence in myself and the tasks that I perform.

But, I think when I successfully delivered my first project, it was the most rewarding.

I had picked a project up in the middle and it had been one which had been ongoing for over a year or so.

This one in particular had many things go wrong and I faced many challenges. As a first project, it was a tough one.

“I was thrown in the deep end and had to swim and I did swim.”

The result was excellent and the feedback was too.

As rewarding as it was, it was extremely tiring and stressful but it was this project which made me realise that this is what I wanted to do long-term.

I am happy to say that I now have several successfully delivered projects under my belt and I do not believe I would’ve been able to do it without experiencing this very first project.

As our conversation with Amrita Panesar draws to a close, the echoes of her experiences linger – a mosaic of challenges met head-on and stereotypes shattered.

In a field often cloaked in steel and machinery, Amrita stands as a testament to the diversity which could change and progress construction as an industry.

Amrita Panesar’s story is an enriching narrative.

Through her experiences, we gain insights into the challenges faced by South Asian women in construction, celebrate their victories, and acknowledge the strides still to be made.