Women In Construction Breaking Barriers in Zambia's Economic Driver 

By Daily News Reporter 

Build It International Zambia, a UK- and Zambia-registered development charity, hosted the Second Edition of the Women in Construction (WiC) Conference in Lusaka under the theme “Systems and Skills to Site: Diversity Builds Productivity.” 

The national one-day conference reaffirmed the urgent need to move beyond policy commitments and skills training towards practical, measurable outcomes for women on construction sites across Zambia.

The conference formed part of Build It International’s flagship programme, “Building a More Gender-Diverse, Skilled, and Sustainable Construction Industry (2024–2027),”  which is funded by the Government of Ireland.

 The programme seeks to challenge entrenched gender norms, dismantle systemic barriers, and expand meaningful employment opportunities for women within one of Zambia’s most economically significant sectors.

Among the participants attended the conference where policymakers, industry leaders, statutory bodies, development partners, training institutions and many other in the construction sector.

Speaking during the official opening of the conference Ministry of Technology and Science Acting Permanent Secretary Ms Naomi Tetamashimba, stated that the national conversation has shifted from aspiration to implementation.

She noted that productivity in the construction sector depends on functional systems that link training to certification, recruitment, workplace safety, accountability, retention, and career progression.

And Build It International Zambia Board Chairperson Eng. Lucie Kasanga,  highlighted construction sector as a key driver of economic growth and job creation. 

She noted that women’s low participation is not due to a lack of ability or ambition, but rather the result of systems that have historically limited access, safety, and opportunity. 

She underscored the importance of coordinated action across government, training institutions, industry, and communities to ensure skills translate into decent, dignified work.

And according to the studies shows that while most institutions acknowledge the importance of gender inclusion, many lack the systems, policies, and monitoring mechanisms to act effectively. 

Also the research also identified strong potential for change, supported by institutional champions, peer learning, and growing acceptance of women’s technical capabilities.

The conference has also reinforced that gender diversity is not only a social imperative but a sound economic strategy. Evidence from industry partners demonstrated improved productivity, quality of work, teamwork, and professionalism on sites employing women. Testimonies from female graduates illustrated how women’s participation in construction contributes directly to household stability, poverty reduction, and national development.

Meanwhile Vocational Education and Training Acting Director Ms Precious Lisulo has called on to institutionalise inclusion across the construction value chain in the construction sector.

She urged participants to measure success not only by participation rates, but by retention, productivity, safety, and site-level outcomes. 

"When inclusive systems are embedded and skills are effectively utilised, the construction sector becomes more productive, sustainable, and equitable—driving broader economic", Ms Lisulo said.