Anthony (RJ) Reynette James and Rana Noureddine
Our new Gender Equity Strategy is helping build an industry where inclusion is not an initiative, but an everyday practice.
The construction industry has traditionally been male dominated, with barriers that limited entry, progression, and a sense of belonging for many. But meaningful change doesn’t happen by chance – it happens when organisations lead it.
Seymour Whyte is taking deliberate steps to reshape the industry by challenging old assumptions, leading with empathy and creating workplaces where everyone can thrive. Our people at every level are driving this shift, proving that inclusion strengthens teams, projects and outcomes.
Launched in December 2025, our Gender Equity Strategy sets a new standard for how we support women to enter, stay and grow in our business. It focuses on creating environments where people feel safe, supported and confident in their opportunities.
What are we doing?
Across our projects and offices, we’re redesigning facilities to make them genuinely inclusive, with the right amenities and equipment – including sanitary products and dedicated wellness spaces. We’re also embedding flexible work programs so people can balance work and life in ways that suit them.
We’re building the capability of our leaders through dedicated gender equity training and clearer accountability for fostering inclusive teams. And we’re strengthening development pathways for women through mentoring, personalised development plans and better succession planning.
These commitments reflect our belief that equity must be active, measurable and embedded in the way we work – not something added on. They are the foundation for the stories of change our people are already leading across the business.
Two of our leaders bringing gender equity to life are Project Manager Anthony (RJ) Reynette James, and Site Engineer Rana Noureddine, who show every day what an inclusive industry can and should look like.
Leading change on the Clyde Road Upgrade
When Anthony (RJ) Reynette James began his career more than 20 years ago, construction sites looked very different.
“Back then, construction sites were almost entirely male dominated. Today, we’re seeing far more women in engineering, supervision, and leadership roles – and they’re helping shape how we deliver projects,” he says.
RJ and the Clyde Road Upgrade team presenting to Toorak College.
Now Project Manager on the Clyde Road Upgrade, RJ has seen encouraging progress, but he is clear about the road ahead.
“We’re not where we need to be yet, but every step towards inclusion makes us a better business and a stronger industry.”
For him, the most significant shift has been cultural.
“Teams are more open. Conversations about wellbeing and fairness happen naturally. And there’s a real effort to make sure everyone feels safe to contribute.”
RJ (left) and Clyde Road Project Team doing community awareness activities.
RJ’s leadership philosophy centres on role-modelling inclusive behaviour. On the Clyde Road Upgrade, this has translated into practical actions through the project’s Building Equality Working Group, including:
- a gendered experiences survey via anonymous QR code
- minimum standards for inclusive workplace design
- sanitary products in all site toilets and wellness rooms
- implementation of our My Time flexible work program
- gender equity training for leaders, delivered by Sheforce.
“Leaders need to make sure everyone’s voice is heard,” says RJ.
Rana’s journey: Representation, confidence, and purpose
For Site Engineer Rana Noureddine, currently working on the Mamre Road Upgrade, gender equity is woven into her everyday experience.
“My parents were unsure at first – they thought construction wasn’t a job for women – but that just pushed me harder,” she says.
At university, she was told only a handful of women would finish the engineering degree. Instead of deterring her, it strengthened her determination to show otherwise.
“I wanted to prove them wrong – not just for myself, but to show other girls they could do it too.”
Rana (left) working on the Western Sydney International Airport project.
Rana’s first major project, Sydney Gateway, came with a steep learning curve, but strong support from her team helped her grow quickly.
“I learnt from my mistakes, and I always knew I could go back to my manager or my team for help.”
Now leading her own team, she focuses on creating psychologically safe spaces for early-career engineers.
“Site culture can be direct and fast-paced. I try to create an environment where people feel comfortable to speak up, ask questions, and challenge ideas.”
Rana was proud to work on our multi-award winning Sydney Gateway project.
Her commitment extends beyond Seymour Whyte. Rana is an active member of NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) and the Seymour Whyte Women’s Network. She is also proud to represent cultural diversity in the sector.
“I don’t look like your typical Australian. I’m an Australian Muslim who wears a hijab, and I’m proud to represent that diversity. Construction should reflect the people we build for – and that means making space for different voices.”
Outside work, she volunteers on a community development project in Uganda, helping improve agricultural practices and build housing for underprivileged widows and orphans.
“Volunteering taught me patience, empathy, and teamwork. I bring that mindset to site every day.”
“Construction should reflect the people we build for,” says Rana.
Bringing everyone into the conversation
As a male leader, RJ sees inclusion as a shared responsibility – especially for men in the industry.
“I try to normalise it. We talk about it openly in team meetings. It’s not a special topic – it’s just how we operate.”
He believes mindset remains the biggest barrier to progress.
“The idea that diversity is someone else’s responsibility – that’s what needs to shift.”
When leaders genuinely care, the culture follows. “Culture starts with us,” he says.
“Every step toward inclusion makes us a better business and a stronger industry,” says RJ.
Building the industry of the future
Both RJ and Rana see gender equity as something built through daily actions.
For RJ, it’s about systems that help ensure fairness. For Rana, it’s about representation and showing others they belong.
Seymour Whyte’s Gender Equity Strategy becomes tangible through people like them – people who turn commitment into action and create teams where every individual feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Rana (right) working at M12 Motorway project.
To learn more about how we support gender equity, watch our Pathways to Parenthood video and visit our Benefits and Incentives page.
If you’re considering a career in construction, Seymour Whyte is here to support you. Visit our Careers page.
