The Work Isn’t Done: Inside Women in Construction breakfast 2026

The conversation around equity in construction isn’t slowing down—it’s getting sharper, more practical, and more necessary. That energy was on full display at the recent Women in Construction Breakfast 2026 event hosted by Annex Media, held on April 9 at the Sandman Hotel in Mississauga.

Bringing together professionals from across the trades, the sixth annual event created space for meaningful discussion on three pressing issues: institutional progress and advocacy, properly designed PPE for women, and the realities of gender bias in customer interactions. With a packed morning of panels, networking, and honest dialogue, it was clear that while progress has been made, there is still critical work ahead.

Women On Site at the forefront of the conversation

Women On Site was proud to be represented by two of our directors, each contributing their expertise to conversations that directly impact women on job sites every day.

Challenging bias in customer interactions

Rylie Porter, Director of Marketing, spoke on Panel Three: “The Customer Isn’t Always Right: Navigating Gender Bias in Customer Service.” Her panel tackled a reality many women in construction know all too well—while the industry itself may be evolving, customer perceptions don’t always keep pace.

The discussion went beyond simply acknowledging the issue. It focused on actionable strategies: how to respond to discriminatory behaviour, how to maintain professionalism without compromising personal boundaries, and how companies can better support their teams when these situations arise. The takeaway was clear—women shouldn’t have to “tough it out” alone, and organizations play a key role in setting standards for respect.

Designing workwear that actually works

Constanza Maass, Director of Strategy, brought attention to another often-overlooked issue on Panel Two: “The Right Fit: Designing Safe Workwear for Women.”

Anyone who has worked on site knows the frustration—PPE that’s too large, ill-fitting clothing that compromises both comfort and safety, and designs that fail to account for women’s bodies. This panel highlighted how these challenges aren’t just inconveniences; they’re safety concerns.

Constanza, also known as @Technically.a.tech on Instagram, and her fellow panellists emphasized the need for industry-wide change: better design standards, more inclusive manufacturing practices, and stronger advocacy to push suppliers toward solutions that truly meet the needs of women in the trades.

Moving from conversation to action

Events like Women in Construction 2026 are more than networking opportunities—they’re catalysts. They create space for shared experiences, but more importantly, they push the industry toward tangible change.

From addressing customer bias to rethinking PPE design, the themes of this year’s event reinforced a common thread: inclusion isn’t just about opening doors—it’s about redesigning the systems behind them.

At Women On Site, we’re committed to continuing these conversations long after the panels end. Whether it’s advocating for better workplace policies, amplifying women’s voices, or pushing for innovation in gear and safety standards, the work continues—and so does the momentum.

If you attended the event or have experiences to share on these topics, we’d love to hear from you. The more we speak up, the stronger the industry becomes.