Introduction: Celebrating Women’s Contributions in Steel
On March 8, 2025, the Australian Steel Institute proudly celebrates International Women’s Day, recognizing the vital role that women play in shaping the future of the steel industry. With a longstanding commitment to fostering inclusive work cultures, the ASI highlights how women's careers in steel are thriving and how their achievements are helping to drive the sector forward. Women are not just participating in the steel industry; they are leading, innovating, and changing the landscape of what was once considered a male-dominated field.
Elham Haddo: A Trailblazer for Women in Engineering
One of the standout figures in the Australian steel industry is Elham Haddo, the General Manager of Chess Engineering in New South Wales. Her path to success wasn't easy, but it is a testament to resilience and determination. Elham moved to Australia at the age of 20 from Syria, armed with two years of engineering education, but faced significant setbacks as her previous academic credits were not recognized.
Despite these challenges, Elham embarked on a new journey, starting her degree again, working part-time while raising a family. After ten years of hard work, she graduated with her degree and quickly rose through the ranks at Chess Engineering, a company known for its mechanical and structural steel expertise.
Elham's achievements go beyond her technical skills; she actively mentors young women and advocates for their inclusion in engineering, particularly in the steel sector. She believes that women are increasingly seeing the immense benefits and opportunities in engineering careers, with the proportion of women in the field rising from 14% ten years ago to 25% today. While there is still much work to be done, Elham is optimistic about the growing interest among women in engineering, especially in the steel industry.
Homeira Aryanpad: Advocating for Gender Equality in Engineering
With a career spanning over three decades, Homeira Aryanpad is a civil engineer who has made significant strides in the steel industry. Homeira currently serves as the National Technical and Research and Development Manager at Bondor Metecno, where she oversees the company’s accreditation programs and collaborates with universities on sustainable engineering practices.
Homeira's career journey has not only been defined by technical accomplishments but also by her advocacy for gender equality. She believes in the Bahá'í principle, “The world of humanity is possessed of two wings: the male and the female. So long as these two wings are not equivalent in strength, the bird will not fly.” Homeira has witnessed a positive shift in the engineering field, with more women entering the industry. According to recent research, 23.2% of engineering graduates in Australia are women, a promising statistic that points to ongoing progress, even though challenges remain.
Kerryn Day-Francis: A Champion of Mentorship and Learning
Kerryn Day-Francis, a seasoned professional in the steel industry, has spent 31 years in various roles across multiple departments, including pricing analysis, application support, and business systems improvement at InfraBuild Steel and Tube. Kerryn started her career in an accounts payable role at OneSteel, gradually transitioning to more strategic and management-focused positions.
What sets Kerryn apart is her dedication to mentorship. She takes great pride in helping women navigate their careers in steel and engineering, using her experience to provide guidance and foster personal and professional growth. Kerryn sees her role as a mentor as one of the most rewarding aspects of her career, encouraging others to learn new skills and share their knowledge.
Subo Gowripalan: Shaping the Future of Women in Manufacturing
Subo Gowripalan, the National Technical Manager at Stramit Building Products, has been a key figure in changing the perception of women in the steel industry. When she first started in the industry in 1990, steel was viewed as a physically demanding and male-dominated field. However, Subo has seen a significant shift, particularly in manufacturing processes, where women now play an integral role, aided by automation and a focus on workplace health and safety.
Subo is passionate about mentoring younger women in the steel industry and helping them advance to senior roles within the company. Stramit, under her leadership, is committed to targeted recruitment and offering flexible work arrangements, recognizing the importance of encouraging women into leadership positions. Stramit's parent company, Fletcher Building, is actively working toward a target of 30% women in operational and leadership roles, an initiative that Subo strongly supports.
Emma McCaughey: A Leader for Diversity and Inclusion
As the Head of Client and Strategy for CPB Contractors in Queensland and Papua New Guinea, Emma McCaughey is a leading voice for diversity and inclusion in the construction and engineering sectors. Emma has more than 20 years of experience working on civil, aviation, mining, and renewable construction projects.
Emma has also been at the forefront of CPB’s Gender Equality Action Plan, helping to increase the representation of women within the company and the broader construction industry. She has served as a member of CPB's Women's Advisory Board and has been a key driver of CPB's Return to Work Program. Emma's commitment to diversity and inclusion has earned her the National Association of Women in Construction QLD Award for Diversity in 2023.
Emma's career journey is a testament to the power of mentorship, a value she cherishes deeply. Her first manager, a female engineer, provided her with the tools, direction, and guidance that were crucial to her success. Emma now pays it forward, mentoring others, particularly women, to achieve their potential in the industry.
Key Takeaways:
• Increased Representation of Women: Women in the steel industry are making significant strides, with the percentage of women in engineering roles rising from 14% to 25% in the past decade.
• Mentorship Is Crucial: Women in leadership positions are committed to mentoring the next generation of engineers and steel professionals, helping them navigate their careers and unlock their potential.
• Industry Shift: There has been a noticeable shift in how the steel industry views and accommodates women, with companies implementing flexible working arrangements and targeted recruitment to support diversity.
• Progress in Gender Equality: Women are increasingly recognized for their contributions to the steel sector, with growing opportunities for career advancement and leadership roles.
• Diversity in Construction and Engineering: Companies like CPB Contractors and Stramit are leading the way in promoting gender equality and creating inclusive work environments for women.
• Role Models and Inspiration: Women such as Elham Haddo, Homeira Aryanpad, and Emma McCaughey serve as powerful role models, demonstrating the importance of perseverance, education, and mentorship in shaping the future of the steel industry.
The stories shared on International Women’s Day 2025 emphasize the importance of inclusivity in driving the future of the Australian steel industry. As more women enter the field and take on leadership roles, their contributions will continue to shape the industry, paving the way for future generations of women to excel in steel, engineering, and manufacturing.
