Changing Australia: Jo Farrell and building like a girl

Jo Farrell, founder of Build Like a Girl, shares her powerful journey from facing systemic exclusion and harassment in Australia's male-dominated construction industry to becoming a leading advocate for women in the trades. Despite being rejected for over 150 apprenticeship roles due to gender bias, she persisted through sheer determination, eventually securing a trial position without pay. Her experiences—ranging from bullying and pranks to being pushed into a port-a-loo—fuelled her mission to create a supportive community for women entering construction. Build Like a Girl now provides mentorship, employment pathways, and advocacy, helping women navigate the industry’s cultural and structural barriers. Farrell emphasizes that while progress has been made, systemic issues like inadequate toilet facilities and inflexible work hours continue to hinder retention. She remains optimistic, arguing that improving conditions for women also benefits all workers, creating a healthier, more inclusive industry for everyone.