They caused a sensation in the Polish People’s Republic. Today they are becoming the power of modern construction

Women on construction sites? Today it is an increasingly common sight, but a few decades ago it was completely different. “I am a working woman. I am not afraid of any work,” declared the unforgettable Irena Kwiatkowska in the cult “Forty-Year-Old”. Although the series directed by Jerzy Gruza was created in the 1970s, its recall is surprisingly topical today. One of the characters of the cult “Forty-Year Man” is a young engineer who becomes the main character’s deputy and, together with him, builds the Łazienkowska Route. The appearance of a woman engineer on a construction site in the times of the Polish People’s Republic was a cultural shock. Today, such a sight no longer causes sensation.

Women on construction sites

The report “Women at technical universities 2025”, prepared by the Information Processing Center (OPI PIB) in cooperation with the Perspektywy Educational Foundation, shows that the fair sex currently constitutes 33.5 percent. total number of people studying at technical universities in Poland.

Analyzes by the Central Statistical Office (GUS) indicate that construction is one of the few sectors in which the average salary of women is higher than that of men. Why? Because women are most often highly qualified engineering and managerial staff.

The young engineer from “Czterdziestolatka” was a precursor of changes in the construction industry.

What counts is competence, not gender

As experts from the Lafrentz group argue, modern investments require an interdisciplinary approach, precise analysis and efficient cooperation of many specialists. And here gender definitely comes into the background.

– Design is combining technical knowledge with strategic thinking. We create road, bridge and building design documentation in a comprehensive manner, ensuring safety, durability and compliance with applicable standards. Our projects are characterized not only by precision of workmanship, but also by an innovative approach to technical and conceptual solutions – explains Ewa Kmieć, director of Lafrentz Project.

In her opinion, a modern investor expects much more from a designer than just technical documentation. Partnership is key.

– Modern engineering at Lafrentz Project means dialogue, technology and responsibility for the end result – we design solutions of the future that really support our clients’ investments – emphasizes Ewa Kmieć.

They have been ruling interior design for a long time

Similar changes are visible in the interior finishing industry. This is a sector in which women have been actively operating for years – both as designers and managers conducting comprehensive projects.

– We work with people who entrust us with their dreams about their home, but also with their concerns: about budget, deadlines and quality. Therefore, the key competences in our area are excellent process organization, cost transparency and empathy in communication – says Monika Hercog, director of Lafrentz Home.

He emphasizes that clients are increasingly looking not only for a contractor, but for a partner who will guide them through the entire process – from the concept to the acceptance of the finished interior. In such a relationship, responsibility, predictability and attention to detail are of great importance.

– Today, authority is not built through decisiveness, but through calm, consistency and keeping one’s word. If the project is completed within the agreed budget and deadline, and the client feels taken care of – this is the best recommendation – notes Monika Hercog.