Construcciones Yamaro: To the EWIT village
Energy, connection and purpose filled Marvel Stadium in October as the Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT) 2025 Gala Awards celebrated a community driving change.
By Melinda Davis, GM of Empowered Women in Trades.
Walking into Marvel Stadium on 3 October for the EWIT 2025 Gala Awards and seeing our logo and the words “it takes a village” appear on all the screens was a pinch-me moment for the team. We don’t just talk about the village; it isn’t a made-up concept – it is very much real. The village is at the heart of all we do, and to see them show up with passion and purpose ready to celebrate the everyday heroes we had come to acknowledge was incredible.
Stepping on stage as MC of the EWIT Gala wasn’t just about opening an awards night; it was about welcoming everyone to the village – a community built by good humans, courageous organisations and everyday trailblazers who believe this industry can and will look different. Because at EWIT, we don’t settle for “this is how it’s always been.” We ask instead, “how good could this be?”
Our mission to reach 30 per cent representation of women and non-binary humans in skilled trades by 2030 is ambitious. Some might say it’s audacious. But we know this: representation matters. Visibility matters. When women walk past a worksite and see someone who looks like them on the tools, it shifts what’s possible.
The energy in the room was electric – the chatter, the networking and the incredible feeling of being around like-minded people were fabulous. We celebrated together, we laughed together, and we met new people and formed friendships and connections that will last well beyond that one night at Marvel Stadium.
The highlights for me personally included seeing the strong representation of tradie ladies in the audience supporting one another, watching people live in the moment and enjoy the celebrations, and connecting on a level outside the daily grind to remind ourselves that together, we’ve got this.
To the nominees, finalists and winners: you are the heartbeat of change. You’ve shown that inclusion means more than a policy statement. Inclusion means everyday decisions, mentorship, visibility and forging your own pathway while lifting others along the way.
Related stories:
- The weight of language in construction
- ForgeHer program empowers women to thrive in trades
- Prioritising wellbeing in a demanding industry
To our gala sponsors, alliance members, volunteers and supporters: thank you. Your partnership, your belief and your work are what create momentum. The EWIT Gala will always belong to the village – it is yours too.
And to our industry: let the gala inspire more than applause. Let it spark action, inclusion and real change. Because when we say we’re building a village, we mean it.
Here’s to what’s ahead, to rewriting the story, and to seeing every human – no matter gender, background or identity – standing proud in trades.
As we draw to the end of 2026, I want to thank you for being part of this journey; we couldn’t do any of it without you. A special mention to the EWIT Alliance members who back us every day to get out there and create the action that will inevitably lead to change.
Keen to join us? Consider joining the alliance and being part of the village for 2026 and beyond. You can find more information on our website: www.ewitrades.com
I can’t wait to see what the next trip around the sun will deliver. Let’s do this. See you in 2026.
Congratulations to all award winnersTradie Lady of the Year – Jasmyn Smith, The GO Company |
The post To the EWIT village appeared first on Inside Construction.
View Source
Comments
Post a Comment