Mrs Lumka Rapoo, Prof Stephan van der Merwe, Prof Jan Visagie
Abstract
Gender inequality remains deeply rooted in the South African construction industry despite policies aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion. Women represent just over 10% of the workforce, with less than 1% working in on-site roles, often being relegated to administrative positions. Cultural norms, persistent stereotypes, and male-dominated networks continue to obstruct women’s progress, limiting their opportunities and hindering the industry’s potential for innovation. Structural and economic barriers—including restricted access to financing, biased lending practices, and uneven regional opportunities—further widen these gaps. Meanwhile, organisational policies frequently lack effective enforcement and often result in token gestures rather than real change.
This study employed a qualitative research design, collecting data through semi-structured online interviews with a purposively selected group of women contractors from Gauteng and the North West Province. An interpretivist approach was used to gain insight into participants’ lived experiences, and thematic analysis identified key patterns and themes.
The findings reveal five interconnected themes: persistent cultural biases questioning women’s competence and leadership; organisational failures such as exclusionary tendering and ineffective diversity initiatives; women’s coping strategies involving networking, mentorship, and skills development; structural socio-economic barriers including limited access to funding and support; and the limited impact of current inclusion efforts due to superficial implementation.
Recommendations stress the need for stronger policy enforcement with clear accountability, targeted mentorship and training, reforms in financial access, deliberate development of women leaders, and the creation of safe, inclusive networking environments. These steps are essential to move beyond symbolic diversity towards genuine inclusion, unlocking the full potential of women contractors and enhancing the competitiveness of the construction sector.
This study employed a qualitative research design, collecting data through semi-structured online interviews with a purposively selected group of women contractors from Gauteng and the North West Province. An interpretivist approach was used to gain insight into participants’ lived experiences, and thematic analysis identified key patterns and themes.
The findings reveal five interconnected themes: persistent cultural biases questioning women’s competence and leadership; organisational failures such as exclusionary tendering and ineffective diversity initiatives; women’s coping strategies involving networking, mentorship, and skills development; structural socio-economic barriers including limited access to funding and support; and the limited impact of current inclusion efforts due to superficial implementation.
Recommendations stress the need for stronger policy enforcement with clear accountability, targeted mentorship and training, reforms in financial access, deliberate development of women leaders, and the creation of safe, inclusive networking environments. These steps are essential to move beyond symbolic diversity towards genuine inclusion, unlocking the full potential of women contractors and enhancing the competitiveness of the construction sector.