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Hawkins Geotechnical Engineer Yvonne Ainsworth was invited to chair a panel discussion on Championing Inclusion in Geotechnics at the inaugural WiGeotech afternoon tea, a networking event bringing together professionals from across the Ground Engineering sector to celebrate collaboration and support women in the field. The event was organised by the British Geotechnical Association (BGA).
Opening the session, Yvonne drew on her 25- year career across consulting, contracting and forensic geotechnics, as well as her recent MBA research exploring the influence of female role models on women’s career aspirations and retention in the UK construction industry. Her findings highlighted the sector’s persistent “leaky pipeline”, with talented women joining the industry but too few progressing to senior levels. She emphasised the importance of representation, noting:
“Visibility matters. When women can see other women succeeding, it strengthens confidence and signals that people like me can do this.”
Yvonne also outlined the broader challenges identified in her study, including cultural bias, inflexible working patterns, and the pressure many women feel to adapt to existing workplace norms rather than being fully included within them. Supportive networks, meaningful mentorship, and active allyship, particularly from male colleagues, were identified as critical factors enabling women to thrive. These personal interventions were found to make a tangible difference to confidence and career progression.
Yvonne stressed the importance of sustaining momentum:
“The real opportunity now is not just to bring women into geotechnics, but to ensure they stay, develop and thrive.”
Yvonne then introduced the panel of industry professionals who explored key questions around visibility, senior representation, allyship, and the challenges faced by parents and carers balancing demanding careers with family life. The discussion included:
- The importance of visibility and female role models in inspiring women to join and remain in the industry.
- Why representation drops at senior levels, and the cultural, systemic and bias-related barriers behind it.
- The role of male allies, mentors and leaders in creating a more inclusive industry culture beyond formal EDI policies.
- How parents and carers navigate guilt and competing responsibilities, and the strategies that support their progression.
The session prompted extensive engagement from the audience, with thoughtful questions, shared experiences and active participation that reinforced the importance and urgency of building a more inclusive geotechnical sector.
Yvonne’s geotechnical expertise is rooted in her deep understanding of ground behaviour, foundation systems, and complex soil–structure interactions. Having led the design and delivery of major piling, diaphragm wall and deep excavation works, she brings a rare blend of practical construction insight and advanced engineering judgement. Her ability to diagnose ground-related failures, optimise foundation solutions, and manage geotechnical risk on technically challenging sites has made her a trusted specialist across the infrastructure and energy sectors.
If you would like Yvonne or another Hawkins specialist, to investigate a case or present to your organisation, please contact us.
