On August 22, 2024, the IDEA-SA Workshop, held at the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business, became a landmark event, fostering essential conversations on the inclusion, diversity, equality, and accessibility of women in the South African construction industry. This significant event was made possible by the generous sponsorship of the British Council and the University of Plymouth, who brought together some of the brightest minds in academia and industry, striving to challenge the persistent underrepresentation of women in this vital economic sector.
Keynote Speakers: Inspiring Change and Equality: The workshop kicked off with powerful addresses from two remarkable keynote speakers: Dr. Amanda Filtane, a UCT lecturer, and Melitha Mohlala, CEO of Kopano Creative Concepts. Both women represent the drive and expertise necessary to shift paradigms in a male-dominated industry. Dr. Filtane, an expert in digital construction management and technology integration in education, emphasized the importance of embracing virtual and digital tools to empower women in construction. Mohlala, a leader in construction and hospitality with over 13 years of experience, highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit required to challenge the norms of the industry. She shared her journey as a black woman-owned business leader and a judge on the Construction Industry Development Board, inspiring others to break through barriers.
Underrepresentation of Women in South Africa’s Construction Sector: Perspectives and Solutions: One of the central themes of the workshop was addressing the significant underrepresentation of women in the South African construction sector. With presentations from prominent scholars such as Dr. Joao Alencastro, Prof. Windapo, and Dr. Olugbena Oladinrin, the discussion turned to the systemic barriers that limit female participation in the industry. They emphasized that despite the critical contributions of women globally, the construction industry remains overwhelmingly male-dominated, which not only hampers economic growth but also limits the potential for innovation and diversity in problem-solving.
The Economic Imperative of Gender Equality in Construction: A recurring idea was that gender equality in construction is not just a social issue—it’s an economic one. As The World Bank (2015) highlighted, female leaders can positively influence social standards, which, in turn, fosters inclusivity and development across industries. Frederick et al. (2021) demonstrated that economic growth is directly linked to increasing the number of women in the formal labor force, an issue that is particularly pressing in developing regions. Currently, 60% of women in these areas are still working in the informal economy, indicating the vast untapped potential of female labor. The construction industry, which is deeply intertwined with national economies, is no exception to this. As the Fourth Industrial Revolution continues to transform the world’s industries, the role of women in construction must expand to ensure that this transformation is both equitable and inclusive. Assi (2020) suggested that increased female engagement in the construction sector could not only accelerate economic growth but also lead to a more diverse and innovative industry, an assertion supported by IDEA-SA’s mission.
IDEA-SA’s Goals: Shaping the Future of Gender Equality: IDEA-SA set out to address two critical fronts in its workshop: the representation of women in higher education and the work environment of the South African construction industry. On the one hand, the project will challenge outdated perceptions of women as “weaker vessels” and instead showcase their potential as innovative and valuable contributors to the industry. On the other hand, the initiative will work toward tangible outcomes, including identifying strategies to achieve gender balance in the construction sector, such as implementing gender-neutral recruitment processes and providing mentorship programs for women in the industry. Improving gender equality is expected to bring multiple benefits. By opening up employment opportunities and enhancing career progression for women, the construction industry can become a more inclusive and dynamic environment. Beyond the professional benefits, these advancements can ripple into broader societal and demographic changes, creating a more balanced and fair economy in South Africa.
A Vision for the Future: The IDEA-SA workshop underscored the urgency of addressing gender imbalances in South Africa’s construction sector. By focusing on both the educational and professional spheres, IDEA-SA is paving the way for significant, long-term improvements. As more women take leadership roles and enter the formal labor force, we will see positive effects not only in construction but also in the country’s economic growth and social development, offering a hopeful vision for the future. Through initiatives like IDEA-SA, South Africa is on the path to becoming a more inclusive and equitable society, where women’s contributions to traditionally male-dominated sectors are not only encouraged but celebrated. The future of construction—and indeed the future of many industries—depends on this shift.
