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Women into Work

Gender equality and the empowerment of women are integral to all aspects of our work to ensure young people in Africa can work and thrive.

Build It has a strong track record of promoting the participation of women in our construction training courses. Around 25% of our trainees are women. Yet our Impact Studies show that our female graduates take longer to find work, and tend to earn less than their male counterparts. 

We want to see a significant gender shift. To build greater momentum for changing attitudes and supporting the progression of women in the construction sector.

Breaking barriers

In January 2024 we were thrilled to host our first national conference: Breaking barriers, building dreams: Women’s contributions to Zambia’s build industry.
Read more about the conference
Prudence at her graduation at the Centre for Excellence May 2021

"My friends laughed saying that bricklaying courses were only done by males!! I trained hard. Now that I am working, I am able to save. I am saving to open up a business that can sustain myself and my family,” Prudence Chisunka

Trainees learning at the Centre for Excellence

Our main areas of focus will be to:

  • ​Increase the number of young women completing our Training into Work programme
  • Increase access and support for more young women through improved recruitment methods, focused Life Skills training and tailored career progression support
  • Develop female focused skills courses to increase both entrepreneurial and formal employment income​
  • Increase number of employers supporting women with work placements, equal pay and career progression​
  • Support female friendly and safe workplaces

 

This means as an organisation we will:

  • Create a workplace where gender equality and the empowerment of women are actively promoted
  • Strengthen institutional knowledge, capacity and effectiveness
  • Implement gender equality and women’s empowerment across all programming areas

 

To find out more about our gender programme and how you can get involved, please contact Christine Cartland, Head of Strategic Partnerships via [email protected]

Our monthly blog series Pamodzi is shining the spotlight on women in construction.

Pamodzi means “together” in Nyanja, and encapsulates our commitment to unity and collaboration. We look forward to being joined by guest writers exploring some of the key topics impacting women working in this vibrant and dynamic industry. 12 voices, 12 stories, one vision of a more diverse workforce.
Read more