Women in Fenestration: Time for the Industry to Grow

Sarah Ball, Founder of Women in Fenestration Network, outlines her vision for the event, and why championing women in the glazing sector is integral.

The glazing and fenestration industry has long been recognised for its technical expertise, craftsmanship and innovation. Yet women remain significantly under-represented across all areas of the industry, from manufacturing and installation to sales, leadership and technical roles.

While progress has been made, the reality is that many companies within the sector are still widely perceived as male-dominated. That perception alone can discourage talented women from entering the industry or progressing within it.

This is not just a diversity issue – it is a growth issue.

Why representation matters

A lack of representation can mean a lack of perspective. Businesses that fail to attract, retain and promote women risk limiting their innovation, leadership capability and long-term sustainability.

Across construction and manufacturing more broadly, organisations with diverse teams consistently demonstrate stronger problem-solving, better decision-making and improved commercial performance. Fenestration should be no different.

Yet many women working in the industry sill report:

• Being the only woman in the room
• Limited access to mentors or role models
• A lack of visibility of successful women in senior or technical roles
• Unclear or inconsistent pathways for progression

These challenges do not reflect a shortage of talent. They reflect a shortage of connection, visibility and support.

Celebrating the women who already excel

Despite these barriers, there are countless women who have built successful and influential careers in fenestration. They are leading businesses, managing production lines, driving sales growth, shaping product innovation and raising standards across the sector.

Their stories matter.

By sharing real experiences from women who have excelled in the industry, we can:

• Challenge outdated perceptions
• Inspire the next generation of talent
• Show that there is more than one route to success in fenestration
• Reinforce that women belong at every level of the sector

The Women in Fenestration Network exists to address this gap.

It has been created to bring women from across the glazing and fenestration industry together – not just to talk, but to connect, support and learn from one another.

The network focuses on:

• Sharing experiences from women working at all levels of the industry
• Celebrating success stories to raise visibility and confidence
• Creating a support network for advice, encouragement and professional development
• Promoting best practice across businesses and teams

This is not about exclusion. It is about creating a space where women can be heard, supported and empowered, while enabling the industry as a whole to benefit from stronger collaboration and broader perspectives.

Building a stronger future for fenestration

If the glazing industry wants to attract new talent, retain experience and grow sustainably, it must become more inclusive, more visible and more supportive.

That starts by acknowledging the under-representation of women and then taking meaningful steps to address it.

Networks like Women in Fenestration play an important role in that progress. They help create connections that might not otherwise exist, encourage confidence and ambition, and demonstrate that fenestration offers real, long-term careers for everyone.

Change does not happen overnight. But it does happen when people come together with a shared purpose.

If you are a woman working in the glazing or fenestration industry – or an ally who believes in building a stronger, more inclusive sector – the conversation starts here.

Together, we can help shape a future where talent, experience and ambition matter more than perception.

For more information about Women in Fenestration Network, visit: Women in Fenestration Network: Posts | LinkedIn