Narrow is the road to equality for women

The construction industry is traditionally male-dominated, but government hopes to change that.

So said deputy transport minister Sindiswa Chikunga, when she addressed a large gathering of women at the Boulevard 44 Boutique Hotel on Saturday.

Chikunga was the keynote speaker at the Women in Roads Roundtable, hosted by the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) in line with Women’s Month.

Several influential women in the construction, engineering and infrastructure fields were invited to participate in a panel discussion on the role of females in the industry.

Chikunga urged women to be respectful and not fight to bring each other down.

“We must take stock of where we have been, where we are and where we are going. There must be programs that turn into projects to help our women, then only can we truly celebrate.”

Through government initiatives Chikunga said they are hoping to bring women to an equal footing with their male counterparts.

“Platforms must come with proposals. It is no use having a great idea and nobody is there to help you run with it. Yes, we still face barriers but we must grow with each other so we can penetrate those no-go areas.”

SANRAL acting chairperson Dudu Nyamane said the agency is committed to unlocking growth, which she said was key to eliminating poverty.

“As women, we must shine forth that light within each one of us. Several women hold senior positions within SANRAL, why not more?” said Nyamane.

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