Women in Asphalt Europe launches: A stronger network for the road ahead

At the E&E Event in Vienna in June, some of the people behind a new industry initiative decided to build awareness in a very direct and simple way. They proudly put on Women in Asphalt Europe T-shirts and attended programme sessions, exhibitions, and social networking activities wearing a clear visible message.

The action certainly created interest and turned more than a few heads. 

“People kept asking, ‘Where can we buy the T-shirt and show our support?’ We had to let them know they weren’t on sale yet, but they could sign-up as a member and join the community,” Siobhan McKelvey, a founding board member of Women in Asphalt Europe, recalls with a smile. 

Founder members hope the initiative can meet a very important need: building a community that helps the industry to grow and individuals to reach their full potential. 

“Our industry has so much to offer, and we need to ensure that more people can see the opportunities,” McKelvey says. 

An industry question becomes an initiative

The idea for Women in Asphalt Europe had been developing for several years. 

McKelvey, who has spent more than three decades in bitumen and asphalt – including senior roles at Nynas and seven years as Director General of Eurobitume – says it grew from a wider industry discussion about future skills and recruitment. 

“We’re facing challenges in recruitment, keeping the next generation interested in the industry,” she explains.  

“Making the industry attractive is a challenge.” 

Diversity quickly became part of that conversation. 

“There’s a roughly 50-50 gender split in the wider population, but things look different in asphalt related industries,” McKelvey says.  

“I think it’s obviously missed potential.” 

Momentum grew at the 2024 E&E Congress in Budapest, where representatives from Women of Asphalt in the US shared lessons from building their own network. 

“There was a very animated discussion,” McKelvey recalls.  

“It was then that we understood there was real interest within the industry across Europe.” 

More than 40 women expressed an interest in continuing the conversation, with a smaller group volunteering to turn that enthusiasm into something tangible. 

‘Sometimes you think you are in your own world’

Rather than simply launch a network, the group developed a business plan, explored sponsorship and organisational models, and considered what a European initiative could realistically deliver. 

Natacha Ndizeye, Product Application Specialist at Nynas, was among those who raised their hand after Budapest. 

“When you work in this sector, it’s easy to get absorbed in your own world,” she says. 

“It was inspiring to see so many talented women across the industry. Being part of this initiative means accessing a platform to exchange knowledge, broaden perspectives, and create opportunities that help us grow both professionally and personally.”  

Ndizeye’s own entry into bitumen was driven more by curiosity and a passion for learning. She joined Nynas almost eight years ago after completing a PhD in chemistry. 

“Bitumen was a completely new field for me,” she recalls with a laugh.  

“What attracted me was the opportunity to apply my scientific background in an industry that plays a critical role in society.” 

What began as curiosity evolved into a rewarding career with continuous opportunities for learning, innovation, and professional growth. 

Throughout her time at Nynas, Ndizeye has focused primarily on the opportunities the industry provides rather than on the fact that it has traditionally been male dominated. 

“I never really thought about it,” she says. 

She feels she’s been fortunate to work in supportive and inclusive environments throughout her career. 

“I’ve worked alongside talented female colleagues, and my manager is also a woman, so I’ve always felt encouraged to develop and grow professionally,” Ndizeye explains. 

But she saw the value of connecting with women elsewhere in the industry – both to learn from their experiences and share her own. 

“Support from your employer can provide a strong foundation for professional growth, but there’s also tremendous value in connecting with a broader community that encourages learning, collaboration, and development,” she says. 

“It’s equally inspiring to be part of a community of women who come together to share experiences, support one another, and grow together.” 

Visibility, confidence, and practical support

Women in Asphalt Europe isn’t simply about addressing a gender imbalance. It also aims to show what makes the industry worth joining. 

“It brings me joy to wake up every day knowing I’ll be adding value by trying to solve challenges that affect society at large,” says Ndizeye. 

The sector is also evolving through new technologies and innovation – something McKelvey believes isn’t always reflected in perceptions of the industry. 

“Reality is very different to the perception that people have,” she says.  

“There are a lot of potential opportunities that women may just not realise are there.” 

Creating connections can help make those opportunities more visible. 

“We want women in our industry to know there’s a community where women feel welcomed, valued, supported, and connected,” says Ndizeye.

From launch to lasting network

In September, Women in Asphalt Europe moved from initiative to official non-profit Foundation , allowing it to accept funding and begin turning that sense of community into practical activities. 

“We really want to get out around Europe, get people involved, and build awareness,” says McKelvey. 

Its direction will depend largely on the priorities of sponsors, associations, and individual members – including men, who already account for around a third of the community. 

Ideas include mentoring programmes, webinars, knowledge-sharing and outreach at schools, universities, and career fairs. 

Ndizeye hopes the result becomes much more than a professional contact list. 

“It’s not only about talking,” she says.  

“It’s sharing but also growing together in different career paths – technical, operational, leadership roles – where women can gain confidence in their abilities and run and fly.” 

McKelvey has her own image for where the initiative might go. 

“You have to take that first step,” she says.  

“The seed was there and we planted it. Now we have to see how the tree grows – and hopefully it will grow strong across the industry and across Europe.”

Interested in getting involved? Sign-up to become a member or find out more about becoming a sponsor by visiting:  www.womeninasphalt.eu.