Shaking off gender bias hasn’t been easy in the steel industry.
Until recently, the prevailing view was “husky men doing dirty work”. That has changed.
Inclusive thinking, targeted recruitment, diverse workplace practices, sustainable practices and automation have opened new doors for women.
At BlueScope – Australia’s largest steel company – more than half of its senior executive positions, and 24% of all its employees, are women. At the steel industry’s peak body, the Australian Steel Institute (ASI), half its employees are women.
ASI chief executive Mark Cain said the ASI is committed to growing a diverse local steel industry. “As an industry body we are building an image that embraces women at its heart. Our leadership pipeline supports women in more senior roles. Supporting women to grow and lead is vital for steel’s future.”
In recognition of International Women’s Day and with an eye to the future, ASI is spotlighting women who are driving change across the steel supply chain – celebrating their impact, resilience, and leadership.
Tania Archibald, BlueScope
Looking for a role model in steel? Go no further than Tania Archibald. In February, Tania became the managing director and chief executive officer of Australia’s leading steel company BlueScope – the first woman in the role.
Speaking in 2024, Tania said BlueScope prioritised diversity in its hiring policies, with more than half its senior executives women.
“BlueScope’s policies underpin the company’s commitment and continued effort to create safe, healthy, respectful and inclusive workplaces, where everyone feels valued, has a sense of belonging and can operate at their best,” she said.
“Accelerating the representation of women across all levels of our business remains a top priority and it is one of the core elements of our Inclusion and Diversity Strategy.”
Representation of women in BlueScope has steadily increased from 13.5 per cent in 2017 to 24 per cent in 2023. In its operational sites, one in five operator roles are now held by women, a remarkable shift from just over three per cent in 2017.
Jodie Hawkes, Bowhill Engineering
As chief executive officer of metal fabricator Bowhill Engineering, Jodie Hawkes is part of a new generation of leaders shaping an industry traditionally dominated by men.
Chair of Regional Development Australia – Murraylands and Riverland, South Australian-based Jodie is passionate about providing big-picture solutions to local challenges and creating meaningful career pathways in regional Australia, particularly encouraging the next generation to step into industries they may not have previously considered.
At a business level, Jodie is committed to advancing metal fabricator Bowhill Engineering’s strategic objectives while nurturing a culture of accountability and innovation. Having joined the company in 2002, her deep-rooted history with the business has seen her drive profitable outcomes and sustainable growth.
Carly Goddard, Brown Steel
Carly Goddard is passionate about the evolving and increasingly influential role of women in the steel and construction industries.
Contracts and compliance manager at Queensland-based metal fabricator Brown Steel, Carly is responsible for budgeting, contract administration, procurement, subcontract management, quality management, construction programming, compliance, and governance.
She believes the growing representation of women across technical, operational, and leadership roles is strengthening the sector through diversity of thought, improved collaboration, and higher governance standards.
To read about these women and more, go to https://www.steel.org.au/news-and-events/news/international-women-s-day-2026/.
The ASI is the peak body for the Australian steel industry, representing 7,000 members. Steel generates 100,000 jobs and $30b in annual revenue in Australia.
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For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact ASI marketing and communications manager Steven Andrew on 0473 480 964 or [email protected]
