19 April 2025: the 1st Muslims in Construction event.
- sarahchaudhry0
- Apr 19
- 2 min read
This was a special event with 200+ tickets sold. Constructors, architects, engineers, construction and project managers, quantity surveyors, technicians, BIM specialists, and analysts. Some women came to support men, and many young people. We thank them for the invite. People asked about RICS, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), and it was an honour to speak with them.
I was asked how important formal education is versus real-world experience when it comes to succeeding in this industry, especially in leadership roles? - The audience interpreted what I said to mean that there are no barriers to entry to the construction industry.
In 2013, my research said the same. In 2023, my first event brought many people together and out, it was a happy event. In 2025, what started as a female-led initiative is now led by older and younger men. Some came together from me, some came together independently, and some were together and going already.
There are many leaders and future leaders in the photos. There is a whole collection of Muslim groups in construction, rail, and real estate, there are more abroad as well. I had never paid much attention to these groups before, and when people said to join a women’s group, I would say no.
I focused on Muslims in surveying for a while, as I knew then there was no one in this space. I have enjoyed going back to normal, because if I sat at the front last week, it was due to the mainstream UK. Even in my dissertation and published report, I thanked my employers for my education.
My first group was supported by the UK mainstream, which consisted of a trained Christian teacher and a Jewish man. I started with a big empty room and no drink or food, but I got it done still. Now the position is not the same.
Sarah Chaudhry
Director
Surveyor Store Ltd
07521 085400
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