Panafrican News Agency

Women in Botswana venture into construction industry

Gaborone, Botswana (PANA)-   In the past only men pursued careers in the built environment, but the 21st century woman is defying culture, tradition and all the odds to prove to the world that she can juggle corporate accounts, building tools, pots and babies, all at the same time.

The construction industry which was in the past perceived as a man's territory is now getting the feminine touch.  Women are venturing into the built environment in large numbers.

Very few women in Botswana own construction companies though the country's laws do not forbid or restrict them.

Montshari Mooketsi said the women should not come into the construction industry to be like men but to add in what lacks in the industry.

“There are many things happening in the built environment, at times you will find corrupt practices. Don’t be like those men, go in and change the industry, get rid of the corruption in the industry and stand by your values. Whoever said men own the industry? As women you should know that not all men support you and don’t expect any of them to hold the door for you,” said  Mooketsi, an estate developer.    

He urged the women to tolerate men who do not support them and learn to work amicably with them.   

Most women who are in the built environment say they did not get any support from their families when they informed them of their desire.

“When I told my father that I wanted to be an architect, his reaction was surprise. He told me my ‘hands are too small to do architecture and it's also a man’s world, how was I going to cope in a profession where there are only men?  Despite all the discouragement I faced, I still pursued my dream,” says Sithabile Mathe.

Mathe is one of Botswana’s renowned female architects who has been commissioned to design many buildings in the new central business district of the  capital city, Gaborone.

Elmah Nthebolan who has built her legacy in the construction industry said it was bumpy and it got bumpier as she left her teaching job to venture into the construction industry.

But she wanted to leave a lasting impression and was driven by the need for change of environment and need for personal improvement.

“My journey began in 1994 when I was a teacher who was not happy with her job. I later found myself jobless with bills to pay but in the end I made it.  I had limited resources with no sponsorship and I faced a lot of red tape. Desperate situations call for desperate measures and risk taking,” said Nthebolan.

According to her, it was like swimming against the tide but she remained focused on her vision. She applied for a MSc Programme and took unpaid study leave and successfully  omplete her studies within the set time.

-0- PANA MS/AR 17June2019