Not Just A Seat At The Table - A Keycard To Site
Let's continue to uplift, support,
and empower women everywhere,
today and every day.
International Women’s Day at Global Commissioning.
International Women's Day
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International Women's Day -
Women make up less than 10% of the data centre workforce.
On-site? Even less.
In Commissioning? Practically non-existent.
So, what does it mean to ‘have a seat at the table’, when the turnstile to site won’t even open?
At Global Commissioning, we’re incredibly proud that 60% of our head office staff are women, with 26% of our senior team being female. But there's an obvious issue we need to address - we are yet to employ our first female commissioning manager. The barriers to entry for women in the data centre and commissioning industry are higher than many realise, and it's time to take a hard look at why.
The Data Centre Gender Gap: It's Real, It's Big, and It's Holding Us Back
From PPE and workwear issues to lack of female-friendly facilities, sexualisation and inappropriate behaviour, the challenges women face on-site are not only frustrating - they are preventing the industry from taking the next step.
While the data centre industry grows exponentially, gender diversity struggles to keep pace. This means the question isn’t just about having a “seat at the table” but about being able to get on site in the first place, and it’s time for companies to step up.
The Barriers to Entry: The Invisible Walls That Keep Women Out
It starts at the beginning
As early as primary school, girls are told that certain subjects, like engineering and tech, aren’t for them. Only 21% of engineering and tech graduates are women, with only 16% of them in computer and information services (Women in Tech Network). So, how can companies be expected to employ women when such a small amount are qualified?
Beyond Education: The Tough Realities Women Face On-Site
Once women decide to break into the industry, they are often met with even more obstacles. The first one? PPE & Workwear. Women’s technical gear is not only difficult to find but can also cost up to 20% more than equivalent men’s products. At Global Commissioning, we’ve faced this reality, buying suitable and safe workwear for women is noticeably more expensive. For companies working with tighter budgets, this could prevent women being sent to site, even if they are the most qualified and experienced for the job.
Women’s Facilities: The Basics Are Missing
It’s not just about the work gear; it’s also about the lack of basic facilities on a lot of sites. Women can just about count on toilets, but what about things men don’t even think twice about - like sanitary bins or private changing spaces? How can we expect women to be equal participants if the most basic elements of dignity and comfort are missing? When these essentials aren’t provided, it’s not just inconvenient - it’s discouraging.
The Culture Problem: A Male-Dominated World
Walking onto a male-dominated site as a woman is intimidating - even if no one means to make it that way. We’ve all seen the stories of harassment that often go unchecked. It’s not just a data centre issue; it’s a construction industry-wide problem.
One in ten women leave their roles due to harassment, and 88% report microaggressions from their colleagues or managers (National Association of Women in Construction). This isn’t just about an “incident” but about creating an environment where women feel safe, respected, and empowered. It’s time to shift the mentality: Seeing a woman on-site shouldn’t be a surprise; it should be the norm.
The Hidden Costs of Hiring Women
There’s a misconception that hiring women comes with extra costs—maternity leave, more expensive PPE, different housing arrangements, etc. And when you lay it all out, it’s easy to see why some companies hesitate to hire women in on-site roles. But here's the truth: The cost of ignoring diversity is far greater.
A diverse workforce has been proven to deliver better decision-making, improved safety, and a stronger, more resilient culture. Gender equality isn't a "nice-to-have"; it’s a business necessity. Companies that invest in women today will be the ones leading the charge tomorrow.
The Industry Is Changing - But Not Fast Enough
More companies are finally starting to recognise the importance of diversity, but real change requires action, not just words. It’s easy to sign up for diversity campaigns, proudly display stats on paper, or share content on International Women’s Day, but if that doesn't translate into tangible action, then it’s just an illusion.
Here’s what we are doing at Global to incite change for good:
A Call to Action: How We Can All Do Better
So, what can companies do to drive real change?
Ensure proper facilities for women on-site (private changing areas, sanitary bins, and women’s toilets).
Subsidise PPE costs and work with suppliers so women aren’t priced out of the job.
Proactively hire, train, and support female commissioning engineers and encourage local education on these career paths.
Foster an inclusive culture where women feel like they belong - not like they’re outsiders.
Invest in policies that truly support women, like comprehensive maternity leave.
What we plan to do at Global:
· Actively hire and support female commissioning staff
· Work with local communities to encourage pathways to the data centre industry for girls
· Strengthen our culture
· Develop pathways for staff into leadership roles
Let's Celebrate the Women Who Are Already Leading the Way
At Global Commissioning, we are beyond proud of the women who help lead and support our projects. Whether they’re working on-site or behind the scenes, these women are breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation to follow in their footsteps. They are integral to everything we do.
To all the women in the industry - your strength, professionalism, and resilience are paving the way for the future. We see you; we support you, and we stand with you. To every woman, whether you’re already part of the industry or not, your presence makes a difference. Let's continue to uplift, support, and empower women everywhere, today and every day.
Together, we will create a future where women don't just have a seat at the table—they have a place on-site.
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