IWD at Knauf UK: Accelerating Action for a Diverse Future

At Knauf UK & Ireland, we are proud to celebrate International Women’s Week every year. In line with the 2025 IWD theme, “Accelerate Action”, we’re committed to accelerating action towards greater diversity, inclusion and empowerment within the construction industry, and creating a workplace that supports women at all levels of the business.

From 3rd to 7th March, we are hosting a week of inspiring events for our team members that will promote personal growth, wellbeing, and leadership. These events not only celebrate women but also highlight the importance of taking tangible steps toward diversity and inclusion. Through our efforts, we aim to help close the gender gap, empower women to excel, and create lasting change in the construction industry.

The Highlights

Monday 3rd March

The week begins with a 45-minute talk (followed by a 15-minute Q&A) by Dr Jo Salter MBE, the first female fast jet pilot in the Royal Air Force. Dr. Salter will share her incredible story of breaking barriers in transitioning to a leadership role at PwC. Her journey is reflective of the “Accelerate Action” theme – by stepping into male-dominated spaces and pushing for change, she is inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Tuesday 4th March

On Tuesday, we are hosting an online workshop for staff alongside Wellbeing Coach Dawn Sanders. Titled “Developing the Person Behind the Female Performer” the session will focus on empowering women to build resilience, self-confidence, and leadership potential.

Also on Tuesday, staff can relax and recharge with our Soundscape Meditation Sessions, designed to calm the mind and nurture the spirit. These sessions align with our commitment to supporting the mental wellbeing of our team as they work towards both personal and professional growth.

Wednesday 5th March

Staff can take a break with our Express Reflexology Sessions, provided by Angela from Oast Osteopathy. Reflexology supports physical and mental wellbeing, helping to relive stress and tension – an essential part of achieving balance in the fast-paced world of construction.

Thursday 6th March

We are hosting a IWD Cupcake Day event on Thursday for all of our staff members. This is a chance for our staff to come together, enjoy a sweet treat, and reflect on how we can accelerate action in making our industry more inclusive.

Friday 7th March

To end the week, our staff members can participate in a Colour Confidence Workshop, where they can receive a personalised colour analysis and take part in interactive activities designed for confidence and empowerment.
Knauf’s Commitment to Diversity

Our commitment to diversity extends way beyond annual celebrations. We are dedicated to creating a workplace that reflects the diverse world we live in. This is evident in our initiatives, such as developing strategies for gender equality and supporting career advancement for women in construction. These initiatives have been integrated into our core values, championing that a diverse workforce is the key to driving innovation and success.

At Knauf UK & Ireland, we are accelerating the actions necessary to create a more inclusive future and we are excited to continue breaking down barriers for women in the construction industry. Let’s come together and celebrate the women who are paving the way today and making lasting change for tomorrow.