Join the #DIEMChallenge - the catalyst for systemic change
The #DIEMChallenge is an innovative, professionally managed, 12-month programme approach, designed to address a seemingly intractable problem - the gender and diversity imbalance in engineering and construction, as well as other male dominated sectors. It is designed to call out committed male executives and allies to get behind an important movement for real change and to challenge other male executives and allies to do the same, thereby combining both focus and fun.
The truth is that complex, systemic challenges like diversity and gender inequality, in environments where men remain the overwhelming majority, cannot be solved with traditional approaches.
The #DIEMChallenge will support female apprentices, graduates and mid-career professionals to thrive in long-term careers, while balancing work, life and family responsibilities. Powered by an always-on platform, integrating trusted peer-to-peer and professional learning, collaborative mentoring, professional registration support, career networking and adaptive systems thinking, it creates a safe space where men and women can collaborate as equals to become genuine allies.
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The #DIEMChallenge is not about just changing the rules, it's about introducing a whole new game.
Get involved and become an architect of transformation
​​FOUNDER Member
SPONSOR Member
INDIVIDUAL Member
What's in it for FOUNDING Members?
Choose any one of 6 options to find out more - in just 30 minutes!
Wednesday
21st January
2026
Wednesday
28th January
2026
Social Value benefits of #DIEM Challenge
Increase gender equality and workforce balance
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Reduce the mid-career dropout rate and ‘leaky’ pipeline
Improve apprenticeship / graduate completion rates
Address skills crisis by driving social mobility and opportunity
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Enhance preferred employer branding & employee engagement
Demonstrate measurable impact through Social Value ‘badging’
'If you want to go fast, go alone...if you want to go far, go together!'
The #DIEMChallenge is made possible through a strategic Sponsorship Agreement with the 5% Club 'Earn & Learn' Charity
Mark Cameron OBE
​ Chief Executive Officer at The 5% Club;
Leadership Fellow;
Co-Chair Skills & Employment Alliance
Chartered Engineer
"Driving Change, Building Equality: Why the 5% Club backs The DIEM Challenge
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When we talk about the future of work, conversations often revolve around technology, automation, and productivity. But there is another factor that underpins whether our industries thrive or falter: equality.
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The engineering, construction and built environment sectors remain some of the least gender-diverse in the UK. Women make up only a small proportion of the workforce, and dropout rates for female apprentices and graduates are still disproportionately high. This “leaky pipeline” does not just represent wasted potential - it weakens industries already grappling with critical skills shortages.
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That is why The DIEM Challenge matters so deeply, and why The 5% Club is proud to support this pioneering initiative.
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This is not about token gestures. It is about changing culture. For too long, the burden of advancing gender equality has fallen disproportionately on women. The DIEM Challenge recognises that real transformation will only happen when men step up as partners, mentors, and champions.
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And the benefits flow both ways. Male allies gain new insights, leadership skills, and professional development, while organisations benefit from improved retention, stronger employee engagement, and a workforce that better reflects the society it serves.
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At The 5% Club, we know from experience that when employers create structured pathways - whether through apprenticeships, graduate schemes or allyship initiatives - they unlock hidden potential. We have seen how confidence, ambition and pride can flourish when opportunity is shared fairly. DIEM takes this principle into the sphere of gender equality, tackling the barriers that prevent talented women from staying and thriving in critical industries.
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This is what “driving male allyship” really means. It is about creating workplaces where women do not just enter but excel. It is about equipping men with the knowledge, tools, and accountability to be active allies. And ultimately, it is about building industries that are more resilient, innovative, and inclusive.
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The DIEM Challenge is more than a programme - it is a movement. By embedding allyship into the DNA of our workplaces, we can start to close the gender gap and create industries where everyone has the chance to succeed.
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Because the future of engineering, construction and beyond cannot be built on half the talent available. It demands balance, equality and allyship. Together, through DIEM, we can ensure that the next generation of apprentices, graduates and leaders inherits not just skills, but a fairer, stronger, and more inclusive sector."
The #DIEMChallenge is proud to have the following great organisations as strategic ALLIANCE Members
Women in Construction & Engineering Awards
The #DIEMChallenge is also proud to be associated with a growing number of committed changemakers as AMBASSADORS
Precious Zumbika
Faye Allen
Dr. Carol Massay
Siu Mun Li
Fiona McGonigle
#DIEMChallenge
Driving Male Allyship and Mentoring to move the dial on Gender Equality and Diversity
'CARPE DIEM'​
