Annelotte Feijth, communications consultant at De Groene Boog

The infrastructure sector is still too much seen as a man's world. Nothing could be further from the truth. More and more women are finding jobs and a place in the world of civil engineering. And we are happy to introduce them to you in detail. In each edition of GWW/Bouwmat, we let a woman from the sector talk about her job and what makes it so great. In this edition, we give the floor to Annelotte Feijth, communications advisor at De Groene Boog.

Eight years ago, Annelotte completed her studies in communication management at the Hogeschool Utrecht. "The jobs were not exactly there for the taking at that time," she says. "Moreover, every employer was looking for the sheep with five legs, so as a recent graduate it was fighting for a spot. Through a family member I ended up at Strukton Rail, where I was allowed to replace a lady on maternity leave in the communications department. Initially for a period of six months, but I ended up staying there for six years. With great pleasure, by the way."

Still, at some point it began to itch. "It was my first job after college and I also wanted to get to know other companies and cultures. My partner drew my attention to Leene Communications, a client he was working for at the time. From the very first conversation there was a click. They wanted to focus more on the topic of environmental communication, which is now top of mind, partly due to the introduction of the Environment Act (really implemented since January 1, 2024). The experience in my backpack from the construction and infrastructure world came in handy. From Leene, I have now been working for De Groene Boog for about two years and - together with the environmental manager and a second communications consultant - am responsible for the environmental communications on the A16 Rotterdam project."

Rijkswaterstaat is the client of this project and construction consortium De Groene Boog is the contractor. "We operate according to the structure of a mirror organization. All staff functions have a counterpart. Rijkswaterstaat is in charge of public communication; we have a facilitating role in this. Conversely, from De Groene Boog we are responsible for communication to the immediate environment, construction communication. From my role as communications advisor I also work closely with implementation, the men outside and at the same time I also serve the communications advisors of the companies within the consortium and indirectly all other stakeholders, such as the municipalities, Forestry Commission, Water Boards, etc."

All in all, it is quite a man's world in which you have to stand your ground as a woman, notes Annelotte. "You have to be assertive and especially dare to ask questions. Then a good conversation will start. That is also what I appreciate about this world, men like direct questions. They don't beat around the bush. That suits my character. I like action and follow-through, and clear communication." Meanwhile, Annelotte has become a content expert in many areas. "You automatically become one if you immerse yourself in the subject matter and like to get down to business. And that is appreciated. Then it really doesn't matter whether you're male or female." 

What makes the construction and infrastructure sector completely special, according to Annelotte, is that milestones are celebrated together. "We just finished an intensive Ascension weekend on the A16 Rotterdam. The euphoria and pride that arises there, because people are literally jumping into holes for each other, ensures that you can achieve extraordinary achievements. It's very special to contribute to that, in whatever way you can."