20 May 2024
Meet Sarah Ngoma – skilled carpenter, inspiring entrepreneur, and a trailblazer for women in construction.
We invited Sarah to share her insights on female role models and mentorship opportunities within the construction industry:
I have been a carpenter for 16 years. Growing up in a family that valued hands-on skills, I was encouraged to pursue my interests. I was fascinated by the craftsmanship involved in building and creating with wood. This led me to a vocational training programme.
I love the ability to create tangible, lasting structures from raw materials. Each project is a unique challenge that requires creativity, precision, and problem-solving skills. I find it a very rewarding career.
My passion for carpentry has grown, driving me to master my craft and to advocate for more skills training among the youth, especially young girls.
I believe there should be more women in the construction sector. Diversity brings different perspectives and approaches to problem-solving. Women can offer unique insights that can lead to innovative solutions and improved efficiency.
But there are many barriers women have to break through to gain acceptance in a traditionally male-dominated field. Women often have to prove their competence repeatedly. We continue to face biases that our male counterparts do not. Poor access to mentorship and networks, as well as dealing with gender-specific workplace issues such as inadequate facilities, all pose significant challenges.
The construction sector must challenge stereotypes and encourage inclusivity. To promote a culture of equality and respect within the workplace, making the industry more welcoming for everyone.
Positive role models and access to mentorship can play a key role in this.
The phrase; “You can’t be, what you can’t see,” definitely resonates. Seeing women succeed in various roles within the construction industry can inspire and empower other women to pursue similar paths. Without visible role models, it can be easy to feel like an outsider and discourage women from pursuing careers in construction.
When I first started in the industry, I didn’t have a specific role model, but I was fortunate to have supportive mentors. They believed in my abilities and encouraged me to keep pushing boundaries.
Today, I look up to many pioneering women in construction who have paved the way for others. I get the support I need through a network of fellow carpenters, both men and women, who share knowledge, resources, and encouragement.
The best piece of advice I received from another woman was to always believe in my skills. To never let anyone make me feel inferior because of my gender. This advice has been a cornerstone of my career, helping me to stay confident and resilient.
I wish I had received advice early on in my career to actively seek out and cultivate a network of supportive peers and mentors from the outset. This is invaluable.
So I felt incredibly honoured and excited to be invited to Build It’s training centre to talk to trainees and graduates about a career in construction. It was an opportunity to share my experiences and hopefully inspire the next generation of builders.
Becoming a role model myself is unexpected, but one that I passionately embrace. I want to show both women and men that with hard work and determination, they can achieve their goals in the construction industry, regardless of gender.
I was completely inspired by the young people I met at Build It. Their enthusiasm and commitment to learning were palpable, and it was heartening to see so many young women actively pursuing careers in construction. Their determination and the quality of their work reaffirmed my belief in the importance of skills training.
We need to get young people thinking about opportunities in the construction sector from an early age. Particularly for girls – it’s crucial to introduce them to these careers early on through school programmes, workshops, and exposure to successful women in the industry.
We must communicate that no career is off-limits due to gender. To provide them with the tools, mentorship, and encouragement they need to pursue their interests. To create supportive environments where girls can explore and develop their skills.
My children are very proud of my career choice. They see the passion I have for my work and the satisfaction I get from building and creating. Both my boys and my girls admire the skills I have developed and the projects I complete. They understand the importance of having a career you love, and are supportive of the challenges and rewards that come with being a female carpenter. I hope that my example encourages them to pursue their own passions, regardless of societal expectations.
Together we must continue to empower young people across Zambia, and build a future where every young individual can build a legacy in the career they are passionate about.
