International Women’s Day: Female leadership shapes new development in West Sussex

David Wilson Homes recently started work at its Millers Grove development where two industry pioneers are at the helm.

Site Manager, Justine Hope (54), and Assistant Site Manager, Chanella Fayth Luz (27), are not only leading the way with the homes being built in Felbridge, but also for women in construction.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) , women now make up around 15% of the overall UK construction workforce, equivalent to roughly 340,000 women. The industry is seeing gradual progression and it’s advocates like Justine and Chanella who are paving the way.

Justine, from Australia, has been rooted in construction from a young age thanks to her dad’s role as an architect, where she had sight of a range of drawings and plans. Fast forward to her adult life, she married a bricklayer and owned a building company in Australia with her husband.

She said: “Building is in my blood. I’m passionate about quality and the processes and procedures involved to get it right early on. I love seeing the transition of a development, starting out with the drawings and being at the forefront to see those drawings come to life.

“I’d like to see more women in trade roles. For anyone interested in a role in the industry, go for it and submit the application. Be that bricklayer, be that groundworker and drive that machine.”

After moving to the UK, Justine worked for a couple of major housebuilders before joining David Wilson Homes. In 2025, she won her first NHBC Pride in the Job Award for her work on another development in West Sussex.

Justine continued: “Women do things differently to men in terms of organisation, a unique skillset and the way we see things in a different light. A collaboration of both is great for project management and women often complement a man’s way of working.

“It’s easy to see the industry as messy, or a man’s world, but I’ve always had full support and respect from the men on site. We’re leading the way for women in construction and men admire that too. The rapport and banter on site are also brilliant!

“We need to get more women into site roles. It’s a very rewarding industry.”

Chanella, who’s in the early stages of her career with David Wilson Homes, is from The Philippines and completed a law degree at The University of Winchester.

She has always been interested in property as her family owns a construction company in Asia and property law stood out to her when studying for her degree.

Chanella said: “I never thought I’d end up working on site, but I absolutely love it. I like how surprised people are when I tell them I’m an Assistant Site Manager.

“Women might not think they are strong enough to work in construction or are put off by working in a male-dominated environment. I’m a ‘girly’ girl, but working in construction doesn’t make me any less of a girl.

“I’ve always had a good support system in my role and never felt like the odd one out. Men have mothers, sisters and daughters, so having a woman in charge at work is no different.

“You’ve got to be willing to learn and adaptable in construction but if you love the job, you will be great. I’ve learned so much through this role, the skills I have learnt have even helped me with some DIY tasks at home!”

International Women's Day, celebrated annually on 8th March, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for advancing gender equality.

This year’s theme is ‘Give to Gain’, which calls for advancing gender equality through intentional, abundant and collaborative action.

The aim of the campaign is to encourage people to imagine a gender equal world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. The vision is a world that's diverse, equitable and inclusive where difference is valued and celebrated.