United for change

Sisters Thandiwe and Adessy Tembo are defying the odds in Zambia’s construction industry.

These two young entrepreneurs – graduates of Build It International’s Training into Work programme – have turned their skills into a growing business, Two Sisters Construction. In an industry dominated by men, they have faced many barriers, but their strength, resilience and vision continue to drive them forward.

International Women’s Day 2025 calls on us to accelerate action, urging bold steps toward gender equality. In Zambia’s construction sector, as in many countries, women remain significantly underrepresented. But change is possible when we work together towards a shared goal.

Breaking barriers: women in Zambia’s construction sector

The construction industry is vital to Zambia’s economy, but it faces a skills shortage and deep-rooted gender inequality. In 2023, women made up just 1.1% of the formally employed construction workforce and held fewer than 2% of managerial positions.

This stark gender gap stems from multiple barriers, including socio-cultural norms and limited access to training and education. Many women who enter the sector face workplace discrimination, unequal pay and restricted access to leadership roles.

Since 2007, Build It has trained over 2,000 young people in construction, equipping them with practical trade skills, life skills and work placements that open real employment opportunities. At least 25% of our graduates are young women like Thandiwe and Adessy. This number must grow for a truly inclusive industry.

Creating a more inclusive training environment

Zambia has one of the youngest populations in the world, with nearly 40% of people (7.3 million) under the age of 35. Of these, 4.2 million people are not in education, employment or training.

Skills development is key to sustainable livelihoods and a thriving construction sector. Our recent research with 13 vocational training institutions in Lusaka and Central Province highlighted vast gender disparities:

• Women make up only 17% of trainees and 15% of instructors.
• Female participation in electrical and carpentry training is promising at 33%. But  in bricklaying, masonry, welding and fabrication, representation is 0%.
• Rural vocational training institutions have even lower female participation, with just one female instructor in all rural institutions surveyed.

While awareness of gender inclusion is growing, it is not yet fully reflected in practice. Construction is still seen as a ‘man’s job,’ and families often discourage women from entering the field. Many vocational training institutions have gender inclusion policies, but enforcement is weak.

Limited scholarships and financial aid restrict female enrolment, and families are less likely to support women’s education in construction. Without hands-on experience, women struggle to gain skills and transition into employment.

Build It is working with vocational training institutions to break down these barriers.

From learning to earning: partnering with contractors for change

Securing employment after training is another major challenge. Without industry support, many female graduates struggle to find opportunities.

Industry partnerships are key to breaking this cycle. At Build It, we collaborate with contractors to align our training with market needs, ensuring that our trainees – both men and women – gain the skills that employers require.

We have built a network of 60 contractors which take on our trainees for three-month paid work placements. These placements help trainees gain practical experience and boost their confidence and employability. For female trainees, placements also challenge outdated gender norms, expand professional networks and increase the chances of securing a full-time job.

Visible female role models and mentors are critical for sustaining progress. Evelyn, a Build It graduate, became the first female supervisor at a Lusaka-based construction company.  “I wanted to challenge the status quo and prove that women can excel in this field,” she says. “Many doubted me, but I stayed focused. My community are now proud of what I’ve achieved – they see the positive impact of my work on my life and that of my family.”

Employers who support gender diversity benefit from increased innovation, better teamwork and stronger financial performance.

McCoys Construction, a Zambian company building a 700-home development, had no female workers when we first engaged with them. Today they employ 170 men and 30 women – a transformative shift. “Our work with Build It has changed how we hire and support a diverse workforce,” says their CEO Zacharius Ngambi. “We’ve seen first-hand the value that women bring to construction. Employers have a crucial and exciting role in building a more inclusive industry.”

The road ahead: working together to build a stronger industry

Challenges around gender imbalance in construction are complex, but not insurmountable. By working together, we can create inclusive environments that offer equal opportunities for training, education and employment. We can ensure workplaces are safe, free from discrimination and equipped with effective policies.

Gender equality in construction is not just a moral imperative – it is an economic necessity. Supporting women can help strengthen the entire industry and build a more sustainable future for everyone. Real change happens when we step up, commit to inclusion and take action. Now is the time to accelerate action.

Do you want to be part of the solution  to create real opportunities for women in construction?  Get in touch today via www.builditinternational.org.