In an industry traditionally dominated by men, SYSTRA ANZ is leading the charge in changing the narrative. 

By building a culture of flexibility, inclusion, and empowerment, the company is showing that a career in construction and infrastructure is possible for women and that it is a space where they can thrive and lead.

Raj Pabila, Commercial Director at SYSTRA ANZ, is proud to be part of a company that doesn’t just talk the talk but backs it up with real, impactful policies.

A workplace built on trust

One of the standout initiatives at SYSTRA ANZ is its Flexible Workplace Policy, which allows employees to “work from anywhere”—a game-changer in a sector often tied to site-based work. 

This flexibility is complemented by paid purchased leave, allowing staff to tailor their time off to suit personal and family needs.

These policies acknowledge the diverse realities of modern life and are particularly beneficial for women balancing careers and caregiving responsibilities. However, flexibility at SYSTRA ANZ isn’t just about convenience but trust, autonomy, and performance.

“Flexibility is now the expectation, not the exception,” Raj says. “We trust our people to deliver great work—no matter where they work.”

Supporting women’s wellbeing through every life stage

Understanding that career journeys are rarely linear, especially for women, SYSTRA ANZ offers a progressive Parental Leave Policy, including 14 weeks of paid leave with superannuation. 

This benefit is gender-neutral, and the company sees the impact of this inclusive approach: 64% of parental leave uptake is now from male employees, signalling a significant cultural shift toward shared responsibilities at home.

SYSTRA ANZ has also introduced a Menstrual and Menopause Leave Policy, recognising how these natural yet often overlooked experiences can impact women’s well-being and productivity.

“These aren’t just ‘nice-to-have’ policies; they’re essential supports that empower women to bring their full selves to work, without compromise,” says Raj.

Tangible results, recognised excellence

The impact of these initiatives is evident. SYSTRA ANZ has been recognised as one of WORK180’s Top 101 Workplaces for Women and is an HRD Australia 5-Star Employer of Choice. 

The company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) assessments show continuous yearly improvement, reflecting a deliberate, data-driven approach to cultural transformation.

Another standout commitment? Pay parity by 2030, a bold goal backed by action. 

Combined with the focus on increasing female representation at all business levels, SYSTRA ANZ is clearly playing the long game in achieving true equity.

Real opportunities for growth and leadership

For women considering a career in construction or infrastructure, Raj has a clear message: “At SYSTRA ANZ, you’ll find more than just a job, you’ll find a community and a career path.”

Women at SYSTRA ANZ benefit from structured career pathways, mentoring, and leadership development programs. The company actively supports women in STEM through industry partnerships, internal programs, and strong female leadership role models.

“There’s a genuine dedication here to empowering women—not just to participate, but to lead,” Raj explains. “And with so many exciting infrastructure projects across Australia and New Zealand, endless opportunities exist to make a lasting impact.”

The future of construction is inclusive

In an era where women are still underrepresented across engineering, construction, and infrastructure, SYSTRA ANZ is a clear example of how industry leaders can shift the tide. With flexible policies, inclusive benefits, and a clear focus on equity, the company is laying the groundwork for a more diverse and dynamic future.

“Our industry builds the communities of tomorrow,” Raj concludes. “To do that well, we need to reflect the diversity of those communities in our workforce today. At SYSTRA ANZ, we’re proud to be building a place where women belong—and can build their careers with purpose.”