‘Show others what can be achieved’: ICE’s Fellowship campaign wins national award

The ICE Connects: Women in Fellowship campaign has won Women’s Network of the Year at the 2026 Inspiring Women in Construction & Engineering Awards.

It’s been recognised for its work to champion women pursuing Fellowship, the highest grade of ICE membership.

The judges were particularly impressed by how much growth the network has driven in the number of female Fellows – 90% since its launch in 2021. This has brought the overall representation of women at the grade from 5% to almost 10% in just five years.

“When we started the ICE Connects: Women in Fellowship programme, we wanted it to have an impact, but its success has surpassed our ambition,” said Jenny Green, ICE director of regions. 

“We know that women remain underrepresented at the most senior leadership levels across the built environment sector and to see this initiative making a difference, increasing representation and women’s confidence is fantastic.”

Earlier this year, the ICE welcomed its 500th female Fellow, a milestone that demonstrates the impact of the campaign has had in a relatively short time.

This growth also highlights progress in broadening and diversifying the Fellowship cohort to better reflect the range of professionals driving the future of the industry.

Women from a wide range of professional backgrounds have now achieved the grade – from a contract lawyer to an economist advising governments on infrastructure investment.

What does the network do?

The campaign delivers global networking and inspiration events.

It hosts panel discussions with industry leaders which are livestreamed at regional gatherings to link women globally as well as withing their local areas.

The initiative also oversees an annual international panel to encourage women across the world to step into leadership, act as role models and support each other in progressing toward and beyond ICE Fellowship.

Through this work, the network has created a welcoming environment for women to showcase their diverse expertise and experience at the Fellowship level.

Speaking on the network, ICE Connects: Women in Fellowship focus group chair, Michèle Dix, said: “[This] initiative has made a profound impact for women across the ICE’s global membership.

“It’s vital that organisations provide platforms for women in leadership positions to share their experience and show others what can be achieved with the right support and confidence.

“By creating this global network, the ICE has clearly demonstrated a clear commitment to supporting women as they pursue their professional ambitions and gain recognition through Fellowship.

“Only by achieving greater diversity in the industry’s leadership can we ensure that the wider needs of society are represented in what we do.”

The winner was announced on Wednesday 16 September at the Inspiring Women in Construction & Engineering Awards in London.

Also honoured on the evening was Ee Hooi Lee. An ICE student member, she took home the Rising Star Award for technical excellence.