Associations
GROWING THE ROLE OF
WOMEN IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
By the cidb ( Bongani Dladla )
The greater participation of women in the sector , from drawing boards to construction sites , will only be achieved through continual positive initiatives that will result in culture changes and the creation of equitable work environments .
There are valid concerns about the low levels of women ownership of companies , particularly in the built environment in South Africa , and a stagnating trend in the allocation of contracts . There is a similar need for accelerated movement through the grades for women who are already registered with the Construction Industry Development Board – cidb .
These trends were , no doubt , aggravated by the general sharp decline in construction activities experienced during the pandemic period . This also highlights the need for steps to be taken to realign public sector spending on construction towards transformed contractors , especially women and the youth .
But the participation of women should be more than just a ‘ game of percentages .’ It goes to the heart of the broader debate about how investments in infrastructure can contribute to the economic transformation of South Africa , and address critical challenges relating to unemployment , poverty , and inequality .
It is thus not only important to remove the structural barriers which prevent women and the youth from participating fully in an industry which is so often labelled as “ male-dominated .”
We must go beyond this to create an industry in which the undoubted skills and talents of female entrepreneurs – who have as much potential as their male counterparts – are recognised , celebrated , and rewarded . Ongoing and not as an annual “ event .”
At the cidb we are fully committed to a vision of a transformed built sector that is inclusive and contributes to a prosperous South Africa . The cidb continues to play a pivotal role as a regulator and catalyst for transformation in the industry .
Higher levels of participation by female contractors and a greater share of work allocated to women-owned enterprises are among our key priorities . One such initiative was the establishment of the ERWIC awards which focus attention on the empowerment and recognition of women in construction . Through this we have created an important forum for women to build platforms and networks which will realise opportunities for future growth .
Through our flagship B . U . I . L . D . programme we are focusing on skills development and training to support contractors in
Sagoodi | Pixabay achieving higher levels of accreditation which will enable them to bid for larger contracts . Moving forward , we will ensure that women will be primary beneficiaries of training and skills development programmes .
In partnership with other participants in the construction sector , the cidb also wants to pursue further initiatives which can advance the growth of women-owned enterprises .
• We need to reach prospective participants in the industry at a much earlier stage through educational programmes that focus on STEM subjects – science , technology , engineering , and mathematics – and a stronger emphasis on entrepreneurship .
• We have to create a conducive environment within the construction sector which encourages women to pursue careers in the industry . Women should gain wide-ranging experience within the practical work environment to prepare them for managerial positions later in their careers .
• Together with women we must design dedicated training programmes which recognise the barriers faced by female
The participation of women in the built environment should be more than just a game of percentages , or box ticking .
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