Author: Manikanth

As we approach International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8 March 2025, the global community rallies around the theme “Accelerate Action” to promote gender equality and celebrate women’s achievements. This year’s focus is particularly relevant to the field of project management and controls, where women continue to make significant strides but still face challenges in representation and advancement. 

The State of Women in Project Management 

The project management landscape has seen a gradual increase in female representation over the years. However, the gender gap remains a significant challenge in the industry. Research conducted by PMI in their Global Megatrends Report (2022) shows that the ratio of male to female project managers is 3:1, highlighting the consistent efforts required for female project managers to enter the workforce (PMI Gender Gap Report). 

Additionally, a study conducted by the Association for Project Management (APM, 2023) found that the majority of project management professionals in the UK are male, with men representing 70% of the workforce compared to only 30% women. In some industries, such as construction, female project managers are severely underrepresented, making up just 12.5% of the total workforce. Alarmingly, these statistics have remained unchanged for the past three decades, demonstrating the need for more action towards gender parity. 

In 2023, the Project Management Institute (PMI) also reported that: 

• 37% of women held academic degrees in project management compared to 42% of men. 

• 72% of women possessed project management certifications versus 76% of men. 

• Women averaged 9.8 years of experience in project management, while men averaged 11.4 years. 

These statistics highlight both the progress made and the substantial work still needed to achieve equal representation and opportunities for women in project management and controls. 

Accelerating Action: Strategies for Advancement 

To align with the IWD 2025 theme of “Accelerate Action”, the project management community must focus on implementing strategies that promote women’s advancement in the field. Here are key areas where action can be accelerated: 

Education and Training 

Increasing access to project management education and training is crucial for empowering women in the field. Organisations should promote: 

• Project Control Courses: Specialised training in project controls can help women develop expertise in critical areas such as cost management and planning. 

• Project Management Apprenticeships: These programmes provide hands-on experience and mentorship opportunities, helping women build practical skills and industry connections. 

• Project Planning and Control Courses: Comprehensive courses covering both planning and control aspects can give women a holistic understanding of project management. 

Professional Development 

Continuous professional development is key to advancing women’s careers in project management: 

• Project Cost Management PMP: Encouraging women to pursue advanced certifications such as the PMP with a focus on cost management can open doors to leadership roles. 

• Project Controls Training: Ongoing training in project controls helps women stay current with industry trends and technologies. 

• The APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ): A highly regarded certification for project managers in the United Kingdom, offering several benefits:  

• Comprehensive knowledge: The APM PMQ provides a broad understanding of key project management areas, covering topics such as governance, sustainability, and business case development. 

• Professional recognition: Achieving the APM PMQ demonstrates a commitment to professional development and enhances employability in the project management field. 

• Career advancement: The qualification can lead to improved career prospects and potentially higher earning potential, with nearly half of PMQ holders earning over £50,000 annually. 

• Pathway to Chartered status: The APM PMQ is a stepping stone towards becoming a Chartered Project Professional (ChPP), offering a clear development path for project managers. 

• Industry-wide applicability: The qualification is recognised across various industries and sectors, making it valuable for project managers in diverse fields. 

The APM PMQ is assessed through a 2.5-hour online exam consisting of 40 questions covering multiple aspects of project management. This rigorous assessment ensures that certified professionals have a thorough understanding of project management principles and can apply them effectively in their roles. 

Leadership and Mentorship 

Fostering leadership skills and providing mentorship opportunities are crucial for accelerating women’s advancement: 

• Establish mentorship programmes pairing experienced female project managers with emerging talent. 

• Promote women to leadership positions, such as PMO directors and portfolio managers, to increase visibility and representation. 

The Impact of Diversity in Project Management 

Research consistently shows that diverse teams drive innovation and improve project outcomes. By accelerating action to include more women in project management and controls, organisations can benefit from: 

• Enhanced problem-solving capabilities. 

• Improved team communication and collaboration. 

• Increased creativity and innovation in project delivery. 

Looking Ahead: Projections for Women in Project Management 

While progress has been made, there is still work to be done. The World Economic Forum estimates that at the current rate, it will take until 2158 to achieve full gender parity. However, by accelerating action now, we can significantly shorten this timeline. 

Projections suggest that with concerted efforts to promote women in project management: 

• The percentage of women in project management roles could reach 40% by 2030. 

• Women could hold 30% of senior project management positions by 2028. 

London Metropolitan College: Empowering Women in Project Management 

At London Metropolitan College (LMC) (londonmetropolitan.college), we are committed to supporting women in project management and controls by providing accessible, high-quality education and training. Through our diverse range of courses and mentorship programmes, we aim to bridge the gender gap in the industry and empower women to thrive in leadership roles. 

How LMC Supports Women in Project Management: 

• Specialised Training Programmes: LMC offers project management and control courses tailored to equip women with essential skills in cost management, planning, and governance. 

• Apprenticeships and Hands-on Learning: We provide apprenticeship programmes that allow women to gain practical experience, network with industry professionals, and advance their careers. 

• Mentorship and Leadership Development: Through mentorship initiatives, LMC connects aspiring female project managers with experienced professionals to foster growth, confidence, and leadership skills. 

• Industry Collaboration: We partner with businesses and organisations to create opportunities for women to advance in project management and controls. 

By fostering a learning environment that prioritises inclusivity, skill development, and professional growth, London Metropolitan College is committed to accelerating action for women in project management. 

Conclusion: A Call to Accelerate Action 

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, let us remember that the theme “Accelerate Action” is not just a slogan but a call to tangible, measurable progress. In the field of project management and controls, this means creating more opportunities for education, training, and advancement for women. 

By promoting project control courses, offering apprenticeships, and providing specialised training in areas such as cost management and planning, we can empower more women to excel in this dynamic field. As we work towards gender parity, we not only honour the spirit of International Women’s Day but also enhance the profession of project management. 

Let us commit to accelerating action, not just on 8 March, but every day, to create a more equitable and innovative future in project management and beyond.