The 2025 International Women's Day theme, Accelerate Action, resonates deeply with me both personally and professionally. As the Managing Director of SFE Services and a mother of two daughters, I am passionate about driving meaningful change for women, particularly in male-dominated industries like air conditioning and engineering. Progress has been made, but it's not happening fast enough. At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum. We need to push harder for equal opportunities, challenge outdated perceptions, and create real pathways for women - especially through apprenticeships. This year’s theme is a call to move beyond discussions and take tangible steps to ensure the next generation of women has every opportunity to thrive.

For me personally, entering and growing within the HVAC industry hasn’t always been easy. There have been moments where I’ve felt underestimated or had to work harder to prove my expertise. For too long the industry has been male-dominated, and as such many expect to be speaking to a man when they pick up the phone or turn up to a meeting. Face-to-face meetings, whether it be a networking event, industry meetings, or even recruitment, have at times highlighted the gender imbalance, making it clear that we still have work to do in creating a more inclusive culture.
 However, I’ve also found that being a woman in this industry gives me a unique perspective - one that challenges the status quo and brings fresh thinking to the table. I have built a strong team, gained the trust of major clients and grown a successful business by focusing on operational excellence, customer relationships and innovation.

Overcoming challenges

One of the biggest challenges has been addressing unconscious bias both in hiring and in the wider perception of technical roles. Many young women don’t see themselves in HVAC because they don’t see enough role models in the field. To counter this, I’ve been a strong advocate for apprenticeships and training opportunities for women, ensuring that we create real pathways into the industry.
 
Another challenge has been balancing leadership with family life. As a mother, I understand the pressures of career progression while managing personal responsibilities. The key has been setting clear boundaries, surrounding myself with a supportive team and advocating for workplace policies that support women in leadership.
 
Key learnings and advice to other women

If you are a woman entering the HVAC space or a similarly male-dominated industry, you may sometimes feel like an outsider. This isn’t always a bad thing and can be used to your advantage.

Confidence is key and even though it may not always feel like it, you belong in the room, at the table and in the field. The saying 'knowledge is power' rings true to this and not being afraid to speak up and stand by what you know is important when cementing your position in the industry.

Build a strong network. This starts with surrounding yourself with mentors and allies who support your ambitions. By attending a networking event or industry conference, you will build professional relationships with others, whether on a local level or within a sector. Who you know can sometimes be worth more than what you know.

Challenge the norm. If something isn’t working, whether it’s hiring practices or workplace culture, be the one to push for change. Too often people sit idly by waiting for a difference to be made. Be the one to demand it.

Support the next generation. Visibility is powerful and by mentoring and promoting women in HVAC, we ensure that the industry evolves. In doing so, the future workforce will see role models in the industry and know there is a place for them too.
 
Takeaways

Women bring invaluable skills to leadership. Whether it’s adaptability, strategic thinking, or strong communication. Yet too often, we see barriers in place that slow progress. Businesses need to do more than just talk about diversity; they need to actively create environments where women can thrive. This means real investment in recruitment strategies, leadership development and flexible working policies that enable career growth without compromise.

International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to evaluate your own business and whether you are doing enough to support the women at your company. How many female employees do you have? Why is that and can it be more? It is time we see a shift in our preconceptions within the HVAC sector.