Raghwan encourages more women to enter construction industry

From breaking barriers to building bridges, women in construction are redefining what leadership looks like on site.

For 55 year-old Malini Raghwan, working as a construction professional has been both a proving ground and a platform for purpose.

Speaking to fijivillage News during the launch of the Women in Construction and Trade (WICAT) website in Suva, Raghwan, with nearly three decades in the family-owned construction business called Raghwan Construction, has carved out her space in a sector still largely dominated by men.

Specialising in Administration, Finance and Human Resources, Raghwan says she did not begin her career in construction immediately after graduating from the University of the South Pacific.

Instead, she explored other roles before gravitating back to the family enterprise five or six years later, a decision that would shape the course of her professional life.

Raghwan says growing up around the industry, much of it felt familiar, but stepping into a leadership role as a woman brought its own challenges.

She says despite being part of the family that employed so many people, there were incidents of harassment.

Insert: Malini Raghwan on harassment March 4th 

Raghwan says over time, women in the industry develop resilience.

This philosophy guides both her and her sister, who also works in the business.

She says their approach is simple: focus on the task, value qualifications and competence, welcome practical suggestions, but expect professionalism and accountability.

Now, Raghwan is turning her attention to strengthening networks for other women in the sector.

She says the launching of the new WICA website, which is aimed at connecting women in construction and trade, particularly in machine training and specialised fields such as electrical work, plumbing and evaluations, is exciting for her.

She says no single person can fill every gap, but by connecting women across disciplines, the industry can create stronger, more inclusive teams.

Raghwan says after nearly 29 years, what gets her out of bed each morning is the opportunity to tackle something new, a fresh project, a different team, a complex hurdle to overcome.

Her message to women considering construction or trade careers is clear and unapologetic: no job is too small, and no challenge is too big.