On the editorial staff of Grond-, Weg- en Waterbouw magazine it had been the topic of conversation for some time: how do we get the women working within our sector into the picture? Coincidence does not exist. This was proven once again when magazine manager Frank Wekking came into contact with entrepreneur Nina van Arum. She is co-owner of Provades and also founder of network organization 'Top Women Construction & Infra'. We speak with her about this growing network with now more than 750 active female members.
"Almost a decade ago, I conducted a survey of 75 women to get a better idea of their needs and experiences regarding participation in business networks. I found the results rather stigmatizing. The clubs and networks that existed at the time dealt with topics such as "business flirting" and "how to dress to impress. The women who were interviewed unanimously replied: "Yes Nina, just a professional business network with the emphasis on personal development, that's what we need. Shortly afterwards Top Women Construction & Infra saw the light of day and today it is a professional community," Van Arum opens the interview.
Being seen, helping each other and abandoning unnecessary modesty
Thanks to "Top Women Construction & Infra," women within the industry are becoming visible. "Our network publicizes network members whenever possible. We interview role models from our network or inspiring women outside it. We organize networking events, give workshops and facilitate intervision. In my career, I noticed that where men came up 'naturally' faster, women did not even come into the picture. They found it difficult to make themselves visible, or worse, they were often not (yet) aware of their talents. But our Top Women's Team identifies much more. Asking a board or management 'What can I do about it, to make sure that in two years time I will hold that position?' Or the ignorance, unfamiliarity of 'politics' and the 'game' is not yet common for many women. Women should and can help each other get ahead. That is why topwomen.net is a platform where you as a woman can find everything you need for your personal development," said Van Arum.
How may we interpret the piece "intervision"? Van Arum: "Female management who needs advice from other women on an issue can request intervision from us through the website. We connect her with other women and supervise the starting meeting with an intervision supervisor at no cost. After that, Top Women releases the group and it is up to them to get answers to the questions they have. What's important is that women let go of the "false/unnecessary modesty" they have, because they are simply jugglers in their profession. We show them that making yourself visible is not patting yourself on the back, but that this has to do with professionalism and being found. Women in the GWW sector are unique and add immediate value in companies and project teams."
There will be another networking meeting on March 26 from 3:30 - 9:00 p.m., at BAM Homestudio's on Proostwetering 31 in Utrecht. You can register via topvrouwen.net.