International Women’s Day 2025: The Power of Women in Powered Access

Ahead of International Women’s Day (IWD) tomorrow, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the incredible contributions of women in the powered access industry.  

Powered access, construction, and manufacturing have traditionally been male-dominated industries, leading to a noticeable gender disparity. However, IPAF is challenging this norm, with women making up 44% of its workforce. In contrast, data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that only 15% of professionals in the UK construction industry are women, with many of these roles concentrated in administrative or managerial positions rather than on-site jobs. 

Today, it has just been revealed that two inspirational IPAF employees have been named in the Trade Association Forum’s (TAF) 2025 awards. Jo Power, Head of Membership and Communications, who featured on the Powerlist last year, was named on the Women in Trade Associations Powerlist 2025, whilst Courtney Kellett, Events Manager, was named on the 2025 30 Under 30 List. Read more here. 

Amplifying Voices Through Storytelling 

IPAF is dedicated to adopting an inclusive and supportive environment where women can thrive, lead and inspire future generations. Through our Women in Powered Access (WiPA) initiative, we aim to promote gender diversity, encourage more women to join the sector, and provide the necessary tools for success. Many women in powered access have built successful careers in roles ranging from equipment operation and safety training to engineering and leadership. However, their stories often go unheard. IPAF is working to change that by amplifying the voices of women in the industry, sharing their success stories, and showcasing female role models who have made a significant impact. By highlighting these achievements, we inspire more women to pursue careers in powered access and demonstrate the possibilities available in this dynamic sector.  

Creating Opportunities for Career Growth 

Mentorship also plays a crucial role in career development. IPAF’s WiPA Mentoring Scheme was launched in 2024, and there are currently five mentors, and four mentees involved in the scheme. The scheme encourages experienced industry professionals to mentor and guide newcomers, helping them navigate challenges and build confidence in their abilities. This initiative not only supports women currently working in powered access but also helps attract fresh talent to the sector.  

Interested? IPAF is actively looking to recruit additional mentors to support women in the industry who are looking for extra support and guidance to sustain and promote their career within the industry. If you've been in the powered access industry for at least three years in a management or senior role and you have experience of coaching, mentoring or training people, you can apply to become a mentor and help other women within the powered access industry to reach their full potential. For more information, please complete the application form below and a member of the Mentoring Committee will be in touch to discuss your application. https://forms.office.com/e/EtYUL0RqAq  

Advocating for Inclusion and Equality 

A key part of IPAF’s mission is to advocate for greater inclusion and gender equality across the powered access industry. We work closely with businesses, manufacturers, rental companies, and training centres to ensure that workplaces are welcoming and supportive of women. By addressing challenges such as unconscious bias, career progression barriers, and access to leadership roles, we strive to create a more inclusive industry where talent and hard work are recognised, regardless of gender. 

What Does IWD 2025 Mean for Women at IPAF? 

We spoke to some of the inspirational women at IPAF to gather their thoughts on this year’s theme: For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment. 

Lisa Bailey, HR Business Partner: 

For most of my career, I have worked in HR, mostly among females, but within industries predominantly occupied by males. It has been important for me to have female role models to look up to. At IPAF, we strive to maintain a diverse and inclusive culture, with a significant number of women represented at all levels.     

This year's International Women's Day theme focuses on empowering the next generation, especially young women and adolescent girls. This aligns with IPAF's efforts to attract younger individuals to the industry and increase the presence of women within it. Our Women in Powered Access Mentoring Scheme aims to recognise and celebrate the contributions of women in powered access, as well as provide career pathways for women both already in the industry and those looking to enter it. 

At IPAF, it is demonstrated that one can be treated fairly while balancing multiple roles such as being a woman, a mother, a wife, and a carer, and still have a successful career. We adopt a flexible approach to work, allowing our staff to manage their busy lives, and ensure that our policies support women. There are numerous examples of women in senior roles within IPAF, which is attributed to the supportive culture and policies that we offer at all levels. We also offer a health and wellbeing programme internally that includes various events and initiatives throughout the year. Some of these are specifically designed to support women, such as Menopause Awareness Day and Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week. 

I feel very lucky to work at IPAF where we share the values and culture of Diversity and Inclusion, and I am proud to be part of the WiPA initiative which is helping to shape the future of the industry for young women.  

Pru Fiddy, Membership Executive:

I've always been somewhat of a suffragette and been passionate about women's rights and empowerment. I've worked in many different industries and always try to get behind initiatives to enable equal opportunities.   

As a contractor over the years, particularly in my work at the London Transport Museum, and within the equality and diversity space, I have always found myself naturally interested in bringing better opportunities for women in STEM industry. One of the best ways to encourage women and girls into STEM roles I have learned is by showcasing role models by way of current talent, leaders and mentors.  

As a new team member at IPAF, I am delighted to see this focus on women from all backgrounds being nurtured in the industry, particularly seeing the previous president Karin Nars at the helm of such an organisation. A perfect example of a role model. I will definitely be getting involved in the 'Women in Powered Access Initiative' and it's fantastic to be part of a very welcoming, inclusive and empowering culture.