Attracting young women to careers in construction

By Lara Pacillo

As Australia’s construction industry faces a critical skills shortage, new research from Adelaide University shows how the industry can better support women and therefore strengthen the future workforce.

In Australia, labour shortages are exacerbated by the underrepresentation of young women across various roles, particularly in blue-collar and trade sectors.

Women currently make up just 13 per cent of the construction workforce in Australia, with only around 3 per cent working in trades. At the same time, demand for infrastructure and housing continues to surge, with recent estimates pointing to a 61 per cent skills shortage across the sector.

An Australia-wide study, published in Construction Management and Economics, found that many young women are interested in careers in construction but feel the industry must adapt to better meet their needs.

Current support programs often address women as a single group, despite significant differences in motivations, priorities, and career goals.

“Our research suggests that young women would be willing to enter construction if workplace conditions improved,” explained Professor Nancy Arthur, Dean of Research at Adelaide University’s College of Business & Law, who was joined on the research team by Adelaide University’s Dr Lynette Washington, Dr Ali Ardeshiri and Professor Akshay Vij.

“We also found that salary alone is not enough. Workplace culture, flexibility, and career pathways often matter more.”

Many participants expressed interest in roles that emphasise collaboration, problem-solving, and career progression, challenging how construction jobs are traditionally designed and communicated.

Professor Arthur says the research points to several clear priorities for industry reform:

• Make workplaces safer and more inclusive
• Offer flexible work arrangements
• Create clear and visible career pathways
• Increase the visibility of female role models
• Tailor strategies to different groups, not a one-size-fits-all approach

“The issue is not motivation. It is mismatch,” said Dr Washington.

“Across all groups, there was a clear pattern in what women are after. More than a gender issue, it is a workforce, productivity, and economic sustainability issue.

“If the industry cannot attract and retain more women, it simply will not have the workforce needed to meet future demand.”

While the research supports prior studies identifying safety concerns, workplace culture, and gender bias as major barriers, the new study shows how much these factors matter and how they influence women’s career choices.

“We show that young women are not all the same. Some prioritise flexibility, others value career progression, others respond to financial incentives,” said Dr Ardeshiri.

“This helps explain why many past initiatives have struggled. They treated women as a single group.”

“Fixing construction industry barriers for women will fix construction for everyone,” Professor Arthur says.

“This is about equity, but also about unlocking a workforce the industry cannot afford to ignore.”

5 Digital Lending Apps That Let You Borrow For Education With Flexible Repayment Options 

With the rising cost of higher education, professional certifications, and career-focused upskilling continues to rise. Students and young professionals across India are increasingly seeking faster and more flexible financing solutions, while traditional education loans involve lengthy paperwork and repayment structures, digital lending platforms are emerging as a more accessible and convenient alternative for modern learners. Powered by fintech innovation, a new wave of lending apps is simplifying education financing through seamless digital applications, quicker approvals, minimal documentation, and flexible repayment options customized to evolving financial needs. These platforms are helping bridge financial gaps with greater ease, speed, and convenience.

Digital lenders like RupeeRedee, MoneyTap, Kredit-Bee, Navi, and Kissht are emerging as preferred lending platforms for students and young professionals by offering faster access to credit, simplified loan journeys, KYC Process and flexible repayment solutions.

RupeeRedee: Incepted in 2018, RupeeRedee is a tech-driven digital lending platform that provides personal loans within minutes. Leveraging technology and data sciences, it serves India’s underserved customers with smooth KYC processes and robust data protection. Customers can get small-ticket loans up to ₹25,000. With more than 1Cr installs on Google Play Store and 400K average website traffic, RupeeRedee operates through its captive NBFC, FincFriends Private Limited, offering short-term loans with diverse underwriting methods. Following the Fair Practice Code, it ensures a hassle-free consumer experience.

MoneyTap:  Incepted in 2015, MoneyTap is one of India’s early pioneers in app-based consumer credit, offering instant personal credit lines via fully digital and paperless process. Built to simplify short-term borrowing, the platform enables users to access funds up to ₹5 lakh with flexible repayment tenures and a unique “borrow-as-you-need” model.Backed by advanced data analytics and technology-led underwriting, MoneyTap partners with RBI-regulated banks and NBFCs to deliver quick approvals, seamless KYC, and accessible credit solutions for salaried professionals and emerging borrowers across India. With its customer-first approach and flexible credit ecosystem, the platform has emerged as a key player in India’s fast-growing digital lending space. 

Kredit-Bee: KreditBee is a platform that facilitates loan transactions between borrowers and personal loan providers such as NBFCs/Banks. All loan applications are approved and sanctioned by the NBFCs/Banks registered with the RBI. KreditBee takes pride in being inclusive as an Instant Loan provider, where users can apply for Personal Loans up to ₹ 4 lakhs as per the requirement. The documentation needed is minimal and the entire process starting from registration to disbursement takes an average of 10 minutes. The application process is completely online and on approval, the funds are immediately transferred to the bank account of the applicant. There are a number of unique Loan Offers available with simple repayment plans.

Navi: Incepted in 2018, Navi Finserv has rapidly emerged as a technology-first financial services platform simplifying access to credit through a completely digital ecosystem. Focused on speed, convenience, and accessibility, this platform offers instant personal loans with minimal paperwork, seamless KYC verification, and flexible repayment options tailored for modern borrowers. Backed by data-driven underwriting and a user-friendly mobile experience, Navi enables customers to access loans of up to ₹20 lakh with quick disbursals and transparent processes. With its strong digital infrastructure and customer-centric approach, the platform continues to strengthen financial inclusion by making formal credit more accessible to India’s evolving consumer base.  

Kissht: Listed on the BSE and NSE, Kissht, operated by OnEMI Technology Solutions, offers quick and accessible credit solutions through a completely digital process. The company has also strengthened its brand presence with cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar as its brand ambassador. Known for its tech-driven underwriting and fast disbursal capabilities, Kissht provides instant personal loans of up to ₹5 lakh in as little as 5 minutes with minimal documentation and flexible repayment options. The platform also supports education-related financial needs through personal loans, while offering a wide range of other credit products across consumer and secured lending segments. Over the years, Kissht has built a strong customer base of 63+ million users by focusing on convenience, accessibility, and responsible lending practices. As digital borrowing continues to grow in India, platforms like Kissht are helping bridge the credit gap for consumers looking for faster and more seamless financial solutions.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, endorsement, or recommendation of any digital lending platform. Loan approval, interest rates, repayment terms, and eligibility criteria may vary based on the lender’s policies and the borrower’s credit profile. Readers are advised to verify whether the lending app is registered with a Reserve Bank of India (RBI)-regulated entity and carefully review all terms, charges, and repayment obligations before applying for a loan.

NSE Launches Electronic Gold Receipts (EGR) to deepen India’s gold ecosystem

Bengaluru, May 14th 2026: The National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) announces the launch of Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) as a new segment. A transformative initiative designed to bring transparency, efficiency, and formalization to India’s massive, deeply tradition-rooted gold market. The milestone launch on May 04, 2026, is expected to bridge the age-old gap between physical gold and the financial markets by offering a regulated, secure, and technologically advanced platform for trading in the precious commodity.

EGRs are dematerialized securities that represent ownership of physical gold, which is securely stored in SEBI-accredited vaults and held electronically through depositories. Each EGR is fully backed by physical gold and is tradable on the exchange, seamlessly integrating gold into the formal financial system.

With this launch, NSE aims to create a robust and transparent ecosystem for gold trading, enabling efficient price discovery, improved market participation, and enhanced trust across stakeholders including jewellers, refiners, traders, and institutional investors.

NSE also witnessed the successful dematerialization of a gold bar (1000 grams) into an Electronic Gold Receipt, symbolising the seamless conversion of physical gold into a secure, tradable electronic instrument within the regulated ecosystem. This milestone underscores the operational readiness of the NSE EGR framework and its ability to facilitate efficient, transparent, and delivery-backed trading in gold.

Shri Sriram Krishnan, Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO), NSE, said:

“The introduction of Electronic Gold Receipts at NSE marks a pivotal evolution in how India interacts with its most cherished asset. By leveraging NSE’s robust technology and liquidity framework, we are democratizing access to gold, enabling investors across the nation to trade with unprecedented transparency and confidence. We believe that by creating a seamless, secure, and digital pathway for gold investment, we are positioning gold as a modern, integrated asset class within our capital markets, ultimately reducing dependence on fragmented benchmarks and fostering deeper financial inclusion.”

By facilitating electronic holding, assured quality, and seamless convertibility between physical and digital formats, EGRs empower investors to participate in the gold market even in smaller denominations, providing improved liquidity and flexibility comparable to other financial instruments held in demat form.

Kia India Brings ‘Kia Vibe Studio’ to Pune, Creating a Unique Experience for Young Creators at HYBE INDIA Pop-Up Park

Pune, India, 14 May 2026: Kia India, one of the country’s leading mass-premium automakers, is set to bring an immersive cultural experience to Pune as part of its ongoing partnership with HYBE INDIA. Designed to celebrate creativity, self-expression, and youth culture, the initiative will come alive through the ‘Kia Vibe Studio’ at the Kia Engagement Zone at the HYBE INDIA Pop-Up Park.

The HYBE INDIA Pop-Up Park will take place on 16th – 17th May at Phoenix Marketcity, Liberty Square, Pune transforming the location into a vibrant hub of music, fandom, and interactive experiences. With entries starting 04:00 pm onwards, visitors will have the opportunity to engage with a range of interactive formats, including live experiences, participative activities, and curated engagements designed to bring together entertainment and innovation in a high-energy environment.

At the heart of this experience is the Kia Vibe Studio stationed at the Kia Engagement Zone, uniquely housed inside the 2026 Kia Syros. This in-car content creation setup enables visitors to record and instantly create high-quality, shareable performance videos, turning the vehicle into a space for creativity and self-expression. The 2026 Kia Syros strengthens its value-led, mass-premium positioning with a more distinctive SUV appeal with sporty and rugged design enhancements, wider variant choice, and improved accessibility to automatic transmissions, including diesel AT options. Reflecting Kia India’s youthful and progressive ethos, it builds on its core strengths of spacious interiors, five-star BNCAP safety, and enhanced feature distribution—blending everyday practicality with connected technology and comfort.

Following the Pop-Up Park, HYBE INDIA will conduct on-ground auditions on 17th May 2026 at Novotel Pune Nagar Road, Pune offering aspiring participants an opportunity to showcase their talent as part of its initiative to discover and launch India’s next global girl group. More information is available on HYBE INDIA [https://india.hybeaudition.com/en] website.

The Pune leg, following successful showcases in Guwahati and Mumbai, is part of a larger 10-city journey across India, creating a platform for emerging talent to step onto the world stage. Through such initiatives, Kia India continues to strengthen its connect with young audiences by going beyond mobility to engage with culture, creativity, and new-age aspirations.

With this activation, Kia India reinforces its position as a youthful and progressive brand, building meaningful cultural connections and engaging with a new generation driven by passion and ambition.

Senores Pharma Ends FY26 on High Note with Strong Financial Performance and Expansion Momentum

Ahmedabad, Gujarat, May 14, 2026 — Senores Pharmaceuticals Limited reported strong financial and operational performance for the fourth quarter and full year ended March 31, 2026, driven by sustained growth across regulated markets, emerging markets and branded generics businesses.

The research-driven pharmaceutical company posted consolidated total income of ₹664 crore for FY26, marking a 62% year-on-year increase. EBITDA rose 96% to ₹200 crore, while profit after tax (PAT) climbed 108% to ₹122 crore.

For Q4 FY26, total income stood at ₹190 crore, up 58% year-on-year. EBITDA increased 144% to ₹62 crore, while quarterly PAT rose 105% to ₹37 crore, reflecting improved operating leverage and execution.

The company also reported improved operating cash flow generation, with FY26 cash flow from operations reaching ₹75 crore, supported by stronger EBITDA-to-cash conversion.

Regulated Markets Lead Growth

Senores said its regulated markets business remained the key growth driver during the year.

Revenue from regulated markets rose 74.6% year-on-year to ₹427.4 crore in FY26, while Q4 revenue from the segment grew 83% to ₹117.8 crore.

The company now holds 51 approved ANDAs covering 151 strengths, more than double the 26 approved ANDAs it had as of March 2025. More than 30 approved ANDAs are yet to be commercialized, while 27 ANDAs involving over 65 strengths remain under development.

Emerging Markets and Branded Generics Expand

The emerging markets business continued to record steady growth, with FY26 revenue increasing 19.7% year-on-year to ₹145 crore. Q4 revenue from the segment rose 25.8% to ₹45.9 crore. EBITDA margins for the segment stood at approximately 12% during FY26.

Meanwhile, the company’s India-focused branded generics business delivered significant expansion. FY26 revenue surged nearly 385% year-on-year to ₹40 crore, while Q4 revenue rose 132.4% to ₹9.4 crore. The company said its portfolio has received approvals from several leading specialty and multi-specialty hospitals.

Strategic Acquisitions and U.S. Expansion

During FY26, Senores completed several strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening its global platform and improving long-term scalability.

The company completed Phase 1 acquisition of a 75% stake in Apnar Pharmaceuticals, with the remaining 25% expected to be completed by Q2 FY27. Product rollouts from the facility began in Q4 FY26, and the company expects the facility to scale significantly over the next 12 to 18 months while improving margins and expanding CDMO-CMO opportunities.

Senores also signed an agreement to acquire a 51% membership interest in Zoraya Pharmaceuticals LLC in the United States. The platform is expected to support vertical integration and commercialization of the company’s ANDA portfolio in the U.S. market.

In April 2026, the company established Amerisyn, a 70% joint venture in the United States, enabling direct participation in pharmaceutical supply opportunities for federal, veterans and defense sectors.

Management Commentary

Commenting on the performance, Managing Director Swapnil Shah said the company delivered robust growth despite an uncertain operating environment, supported by operational discipline and consistent execution.

Shah noted that the company’s approved ANDA portfolio more than doubled during FY26 and said the combination of approved products, ongoing development pipeline, manufacturing expansion and U.S. commercialization initiatives positions Senores for sustained long-term growth.

Outlook

Senores said it will continue focusing on expanding its regulated market pipeline, strengthening vertical integration, scaling its branded generics portfolio and improving profitability in emerging markets.

The company added that continued investments in product development, manufacturing capacity and global commercialization platforms are expected to support growth momentum in the coming years.