Happy International Women’s Day 2026

We are greatly supported in this work by the RIAI’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Taskforce, which Council established to review existing guidance and publish a new EDI policy. This new policy was finalised and published in December 2025 by the taskforce, co-chaired by Sinéad Hughes MRIAI and Dr. Carole Pollard FRIAI. Our sincere thanks to Sinéad and Carole and to the taskforce members: Sarah Adekoya, Architectural Graduate; Caroline Akiboye MRIAI; Elizabeth Clyne MRIAI; Andy Howell MRIAI; Chinwe Kane MRIAI; Orla O’Kane MRIAI; Amy Murphy MRIAI; Emer Nagle MRIAI; and Susan Nakazibwe MRIAI, with support from Assistant Education Director, Ghinlon Wang MRIAI. 

Members who would like to engage further with this work are kindly invited to attend the next open meeting of the RIAI EDI Taskforce; you can register your interest to participate here.

The EDI Taskforce have shared their thoughts on International Women's Day and the new EDI Policy:

“International Women’s Day reminds us that progress happens because people choose to push for it. That’s why Equity, Diversity and Inclusion matter. EDI is not simply a policy, it’s a commitment to building a profession where everyone can feel represented, respected and valued.

As a Black woman in the architecture field in Ireland, I’m conscious of how limited representation shapes both experience and opportunity. When diversity is absent, belonging is harder to find, and progression can feel out of reach. Joining the RIAI EDI Taskforce is my way of challenging that reality, advocating for inclusive workplace cultures and supporting meaningful, sustained change across Irish architecture. If we design for a diverse society, our profession must reflect it.” – Sarah Adekoya 

“Equity, diversity and inclusion are important values that underpin a healthy and successful profession and foster inclusive values for society.” – Elizabeth Clyne

“There is a recognised need for more work to be done to promote and deliver gender equality, diversity, equity and inclusion practices within the construction industry. The RIAI EDI Policy and implementation actions will evolve on an on-going basis as new challenges and opportunities emerge, to strengthen more inclusive and responsible organisations and work practices.” – Sinéad Hughes

“I believe most architectural practices want to foster more diverse and inclusive workplaces, but many lack the tools, knowledge and guidance to turn that intention into meaningful action. The publication of the RIAI EDI policy marks an important step in supporting practices to develop more equitable workplaces and ensure our profession reflects the society it serves.” – Andy Howell

“Progress requires action, and we must continue strengthening equity, diversity and inclusion to create a more inclusive and accountable industry. Architecture shapes the world — equity, diversity and inclusion practices ensure it reflects everyone within it.” – RIAI Member

"It is great to see the RIAI establish an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion policy. As someone who understands some of the challenges faced by individuals across diverse backgrounds and experiences, I’m excited to see how the policy is implemented and how it evolves to address the issues within architectural practice and across the wider construction industry.” – RIAI Member

We encourage all Members to read the new RIAI Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy, which not only informs the work of the RIAI but also provides support and guidance to the RIAI Membership in delivering equity, diversity and inclusion actions in architectural practice, in architectural education and in the broader stakeholder network. We know that achieving the objectives set out in the Policy will require ongoing reflection, practical action, and collaboration across the profession, and, in that regard, the RIAI EDI Policy should evolve as new challenges and opportunities emerge.

The RIAI was also delighted to support important research into Gender Equity in Irish Architecture by Dr. Dervla MacManus, which can be read here. Consider also the RIAI Code of Conduct for Architectural Practices (Practice Code) here to support and encourage sustainable practices and careers in Architecture.
 
We welcome Members’ thoughts on the RIAI EDI policy as we all work towards an equitable, diverse and inclusive profession. Architects deliver the social, cultural and economic infrastructure, and to design for an increasingly diverse society, we need to be guided by the principles of EDI.
 
Happy International Women’s Day 2026.

Fionnuala May, RIAI President 2026-27
Kathryn Meghen, RIAI CEO