‘Curiosity has no gender’: a pertinent observation from Palesa (Ntuku) Mokwena, a fourth year Bachelor of Science (civil engineering) student from the University of the Witwatersrand. Raised in a family that encouraged resourcefulness and discouraged gender stereotypes, Mokwena is fascinated by the diversity of civil engineering.
Mokwena is one of 60 young women from the universities of Pretoria, Johannesburg and the Witwatersrand who attended Gals in Hard Hats, an innovative Women’s Month and youth development initiative hosted by Colossal Concrete Products (CCP) at its Brakpan manufacturing facility, which included a site tour to give students and other guests insight into ‘construction in action’.
The event was co-hosted and co-sponsored by two of Colossal’s suppliers, construction chemical company Chryso Southern Africa and AfriSam, a leading supplier of cement, construction materials and technical solutions.
“The tours enabled us as students to see everything that happens behind the scenes. If you have that all in mind and you see where you want to work, the path to get there is much easier,” comments Thea Giliomee, who is studying water resources engineering at the University of Pretoria.
Colossal Concrete Products Chief Executive Officer, Gwen Mahuma-Madida, says that her company’s close relationship with its suppliers often leads to discussions about collaborating to improve their industry: “In this instance, it developed into the Gals in Hard Hats event. We gave the ‘gals’ a taste and view of the different construction and infrastructure-related avenues that they can follow. Our speakers ranged from university lecturers to manufacturing business owners and a metallurgist – representing the wide spectrum of the potential careers there are in these sectors.”
Where the challenge ‘STEMs’ from
According to the University of Stellenbosch, women make up approximately 13% of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) graduates. Only 7% of engineers registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) are women.
Colossal Concrete Products Chief Operating Officer, Mmapitso Kiewiet, believes that any women-focused development initiatives should not only highlight careers in STEM, but showcase women as trailblazers: “We need to start amplifying our voices as women, and not be shy of our successes, so that young women can see what is possible! STEM must be introduced during girls’ formative years, so this can spark their interest – and the confidence to pursue it.”
Student attendees admitted that there was a huge stigma attached to STEM subjects at schools, and that these are typically regarded as being ‘only for boys’.
Event speaker Dr Grizelda du Toit, Project Professional at AfriSam and mother of a young son and daughter, points out that more effort is required from schools and universities to raise awareness about the importance of STEM subjects. However, a change in attitude and mind-set should begin at home, with parents encouraging girls to develop technical skills and also set the example.
When asked how she would advise school leavers wishing to follow in her footsteps, Sandra Onyeka, currently in her third year studying civil engineering at the University of Johannesburg and specialising in transport, replied: “Do not be intimidated, or go in with preconceived notions that this is a male-dominated industry. It can only change if you want it to change!”
Fellow student Mokwena adds that one’s background should not stand in the way: “I heard a quote along the lines of: ‘do not let your background put you back on the ground’. A lot of us did not attend the best schools, and only saw a computer when applying for university. As hard as these circumstances are, they should never stop one from achieving one’s goals.”
Managing the workplace
According to the latest report from the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), more than 70% of professional women who graduate leave their chosen professions because of the workplace climate.
Nelisiwe Simelane, a physical metallurgist and key account manager at Mitak – and one of the speakers at the event – says it is sad that, despite regular debates about women’s empowerment, the salary disparity between male and female professionals still needs to be addressed.
Simelane identifies three things that are needed to retain skilled women in the South African workplace:
- The vast stereotypes around race, gender and age to be challenged and addressed
- The creation of networking platforms or opportunities that are inclusive. Networking is a very powerful tool for success and growth – however, the opportunities need to be more inclusive
- The development and implementation of mentorship programmes. Newcomers should encounter those who have walked the same road and are prepared to pay it forward
“Many leave the workplace because of a lack of guidance – and insufficient insight into the career path that they have chosen,” she comments.
Event speaker Adele Wentzel, AfriSam Sales Manager Cement Manufacturing agrees that more competitive compensation and benefit packages are needed – together with more flexible and supportive work environments – to help female employees to establish a healthy work-life balance.
Concrete opportunities
Mahuma-Madida notes that Colossal Concrete Products has worked hard to grow its female workforce: “Besides being highly skilled, we find that women also bring a different dynamic to the organisation, so including them in our team has benefits far beyond their roles.”
Wentzel concurs: “Women are typically empathetic, patient and have great instincts. We are also very direct and transparent in our communication. We listen to others and value their opinions. This leads to unique ideas and increases creativity and innovation.”
The event participants all agree that, despite the difficulties, more women are entering engineering, construction and infrastructure-related professions and roles, with companies creating opportunities through training and internships. For example, Du Toit remarks that she has noticed more female artisans, electricians, fitters, boilermakers and engineers on site – as well as women working in safety and quality management.
Michelle Fick, Business Unit Development Manager: Concrete Aesthetics at Chryso Southern Africa, a leading construction chemicals company, Saint-Gobain subsidiary and co-sponsor of the event, says: “Chryso is committed to create real prospects for career advancement and fulfilment – especially for women – empowering our staff to grow and lead within the industry.” Fick also highlights how new opportunities are emerging in Building Information Management (BIM) and other IT-related disciplines, reflecting increasing innovation in the construction industry.
“There was a definite ‘golden thread’ key message which attendees took away from Gals in Hard Hats event: in a nutshell, for women entering industry and business today, there will be challenges, uncertainties, setbacks and even disappointments. However, perseverance, hard work and self-belief is key – as the guest speakers highlighted.
Furthermore, the response – not only from the female students but also from customers attending the event – was overwhelming! It was so inspiring,” Wentzel adds.
“Our co-sponsors, as well as many of the attendees agree that – while national Women’s Month in August is a great initiative – there is a need in the industrial sector, for many more opportunities such as this.
As a result, we are proud to announce that Gals in Hard Hats will be repeated next year, this time at an AfriSam operation, with Colossal Concrete Products and Chryso Southern Africa co-hosting and co-sponsoring the event,” Mahuma-Madida concludes.
