21 July 2026
Meet Wendy Nambule Mukape: First female Principal of the National Council for Construction School (NCC), a Quantity Surveyor, Fellow of the Engineering Institution of Zambia, and a passionate advocate for skills development, youth empowerment, and gender inclusion. Wendy is helping shape the future of Zambia’s construction sector:
“My interest in construction started long before my professional career. In secondary school, I was drawn to geometric drawing though most girls stayed away from subjects that were seen as more suitable for boys. That early interest made it easier for me to pursue Building Science at the Copperbelt University, even when some people expected me to choose a more “feminine” career path.
As my career progressed, I began to see construction as more than a technical field. It became a place where I could contribute to governance, education, skills development, and developing the next generation of professional artisans.
Becoming the first female Principal at NCC School has been the proudest moments of my career. It reminds me that barriers can be broken, but every milestone comes with responsibility.
For me, leadership has never been only about personal achievement. It is about opening doors for others, and making sure that young people and women are given a fair chance to succeed in a sector.
Wendy Nambule Mukape – first female Principal at Zambia’s NCC School
Like many women in construction, I entered spaces where people were not used to seeing women in technical and leadership roles. I had to prove my ability through my work before people fully accepted that I belonged there.
I didn’t allow those expectations to limit me. Instead, I used them as motivation to keep showing up and doing the work well. Over time, I have learnt that excellence in construction is about preparation, discipline, competence, and character.
There were times when technical questions were directed to male colleagues, even when I was leading. In those moments, I chose to respond through clarity and competence. I provided solutions, gave direction, and allowed my knowledge to speak for itself.
When you do the work well, excellence becomes difficult to ignore.
My advice to women struggling to be taken seriously is to keep investing in themselves. Build your knowledge, strengthen your skills, communicate with confidence, and learn from those who have walked the path before you. Most importantly, do not allow other people’s opinions to determine your confidence.
Much of my growth is owed to leaders and mentors who saw my ability before they saw my gender. They trusted me with responsibility and encouraged me to step into leadership opportunities… even when I was still learning to see myself as a leader.
I also value supportive teams. At NCC, I work with colleagues who respect the role I play and the contribution I bring.
For me, allyship in construction means giving people equal opportunities, mentoring emerging professionals, and building workplaces where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. At NCC, this commitment is reflected in encouraging female participation in technical training programmes, creating safer learning environments, promoting mentorship, and showcasing successful women as role models.
I have seen many young women join training unsure of themselves but graduate with confidence as professionals. Women like Nelly Phiri, Sara Ngoma, and Suwilanji Zimba remind me that when women are given the right support, they can rise and lead.
These stories matter because they help younger women see what is possible, while challenging the idea that there are places in construction where women don’t belong.
From what I have seen, women who thrive in this sector are resilient, disciplined and committed to learning. They are not fearless, but they keep moving even when the environment is challenging.
Wendy speaking at Build It’s Women in Construction conference 2026
Respect has opened doors for me, including leadership opportunities, board appointments, and strategic partnerships. But recognition should never be personal. When women see their contributions acknowledged they are more likely to stay and mentor others. I have already seen more young women enroll in technical programmes and grow in confidence.
My vision is for a construction industry that reflects the diversity of society. I want to see a sector where women and men have equal opportunities to contribute, innovate, and lead. Where every young person with talent can access quality skills training, and meaningful opportunities afterwards.
If I could change one thing across the industry, it would be the unconscious bias that still limits opportunities for women.
Construction needs our ideas, our leadership, and our talent.
To young women considering leadership in construction: believe in yourself before anyone else does. Work hard, stay resilient, remain relevant, keep learning, and never be afraid to take your place at the table.
