Hammering down barriers, Women In Construction Celebrate Women’s Month

By Shingirai Vambe

Globally, the construction industry has experienced rapid growth, with the African continent being one of the fastest-growing regions. According to a report by the African Development Bank, the construction industry in Africa is expected to grow at a rate of 7.2% annually, surpassing the global average. This growth is driven by increasing urbanization, infrastructure development, and investment in mega-projects.

However, despite this growth, women remain underrepresented in the industry. In Zimbabwe, women make up less than 10% of players in the sector, according to ZBCA Women’s Desk Chairperson Portia Mariga.

“We have women who are employed, but not many who own their own companies,” Mariga said. “We are doing a lot to encourage women to come into construction.”

The importance of women’s participation in the construction industry cannot be overstated. Research has shown that increasing women’s participation in the workforce can lead to significant economic gains. A report by the McKinsey Global Institute found that if women’s participation in the workforce were to reach parity with men’s, it could add $28 trillion to the global GDP by 2025.

ZBCA Chief Executive Officer Joyline Zindaga emphasized the importance of women’s involvement in the sector, particularly in Africa.

“As women take up spaces in various sectors, including construction, it is essential for them to understand the importance of giving back to the community,” Zindaga said. “Coming together as women in construction ensures that we are giving back to the communities that we serve.”

The event, held under the theme “Accelerating Action in Construction Through Corporate Social Responsibility,” aimed to promote women’s empowerment in the construction sector.

As the construction industry continues to grow and play a critical role in economic development, it is essential that women are given equal opportunities to participate and contribute to its growth.

The Zimbabwe construction industry faces several challenges that hinder its growth. Limited Funding is a significant hurdle, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which struggle to access bank loans and venture capital. Shortage of Skilled Labor,  brain drain has led to a scarcity of professionals with expertise in project management, engineering, and construction technology. This shortage hampers the industry’s growth and increases costs.

However, modern equipment is also a major issue. Many construction companies lack access to modern plant and equipment, resulting in lower productivity and increased costs. The high cost of importing machinery exacerbates this problem, Which directly speaks to  Economic Volatility which poses a significant risk to the industry.

Zimbabwe’s economy remains susceptible to shocks, making it challenging for businesses to plan long-term investments and discouraging foreign investors who are supposed to be supported by  firm regulations.

ZBCA has highlighted the challenges women face in penetrating the male-dominated construction industry, despite the sector’s growing recognition as a game-changer in economic development globally with expectations that the government of the day will deal with impeding issues and make equal opportunities for local businesses in Zimbabwe.