LocationsBreaking Barriers: Empowering Women in the Construction Industry
May 5, 2023
Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and, therefore, also half of its potential. Empowering women spurs productivity and economic growth.
It takes a great deal of courage for young women to step out of their comfort zones and pursue a career in an industry that is historically male dominated. Despite the challenges, a group of young women has managed to show up and put their best foot forward. The Advance TVET Mentorship Program has provided a supportive environment for these young women to learn and develop the skills necessary to succeed in the construction industry.
The construction industry is a rapidly growing sector that offers diverse career opportunities, from architecture to engineering to technical trades. Unfortunately, women have been historically underrepresented in this field. The Advance TVET Mentorship Program aims to change this by providing practical exposure to sites, construction value-chain opportunities, and career development resources.
Through the program, the mentees have learned valuable skills and gained practical experience in the construction industry. They have worked with experienced mentors, participated in hands-on training, and developed a network of supportive colleagues. These young women have acquired skills that will set them apart in the workplace and pave the way for future generations of women to follow.
The program has been more than just building technical skills. It has been about building confidence and empowering young women to pursue their dreams in the construction industry. The graduates committed their entire Saturdays for 6 weeks to attend and participate in the soft and hard skills training. By doing so, they have proven that with determination and a supportive community, they have what it takes to succeed.
As the graduates move forward in their careers, it is important to continue seeking out opportunities for growth and development. They should take on new challenges, continue to push themselves out of their comfort zones, and never stop learning. The construction industry is constantly evolving and changing, and it is essential to continue to learn, grow, and develop skills.
It is important to emphasize the importance of supporting women in industries such as these. By participating in this mentorship program, we have taken a crucial step towards creating a more diverse and inclusive construction industry. Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and, therefore, also half of its potential. Empowering women spurs productivity and economic growth. Women have a critical role to play in all the SDGs, with many targets specifically recognizing women’s equality and empowerment as both the objective and part of the solution.
In closing, congratulations to the graduates of the Advance TVET Mentorship Program. They are an inspiration to us all, and we look forward to seeing all that they will accomplish in the years to come. The UNDP is proud to have been one of the supporters of the development and enhancement of women in the construction industry through this program. Let us continue to break down barriers and empower women in all industries.