HOW WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION ARE SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE SECTOR PART 2

The following article is written by Susan Truter, real estate and construction sector leader at Forvis Mazars in South Africa. It is Part 2 of a two-part series.

Botha’s experience highlights the importance of role models and mentors in engineering. She benefited from strong mentorship throughout her career, which helped her navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Her story is a testament to the fact that with the right support and opportunities, women can excel in any engineering discipline.

Concrete Trends magazine reports how Kerisha Moonsamy, a newly qualified mechanical engineer, shares a similar passion for her field. Her journey, marked by determination and a deep love for mechanical engineering, underscores the challenges many women face in this industry. Financial constraints nearly derailed her education, but through scholarships and relentless effort, she not only completed her studies but excelled, graduating with top honours.

Moonsamy’s work on innovative projects, such as designing a 3D printer to construct houses and building a ventilator for medical use, showcases her technical skills and creativity. She describes her goal of becoming an expert in this field, with a focus on hands-on engineering rather than relying solely on software. “Engineering is becoming overrun by software programs, but I want to be the type of engineer who can complete tasks by hand. I plan on gaining as much knowledge and experience as I can,” she says.

Both Botha and Moonsamy exemplify the qualities that make women in construction and engineering indispensable. Their stories reflect a broader trend of increasing female representation in these fields, a shift that is vital for the industry’s growth and innovation. As more women enter the industry, they bring with them not only technical expertise but also a commitment to sustainability, diversity, and continuous learning.

For young women considering a career in construction or engineering, the message is clear: there are no limits to what can be achieved. With hard work, passion, and the right support, women can excel in these fields and contribute to building a more inclusive and innovative industry.