ZBCA Honours 30 Women in Construction Sector

Rutendo Mazhindu- Zim Now Reporter

Thirty women were honoured for excellence in Zimbabwe’s construction industry during an awards ceremony hosted by the Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association in Harare.

The event, attended by senior government officials, recognised women who have distinguished themselves in various aspects of the construction sector since the association’s establishment in 1985.

Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Monica Mutsvangwa, urged financial institutions to provide greater support to women entrepreneurs in the industry.

“I urge financial institutions to support women-driven initiatives. It is essential that we continue to design customised financial solutions, build robust support systems, and introduce targeted incentives that empower women entrepreneurs to grow,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

She also commended the creation of the Women’s Desk within ZBCA, describing it as a step forward in promoting inclusivity.

“This initiative is, in itself, an acknowledgement that a diverse workforce drives innovation and efficiency,” she said.

Deputy Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Musa Ncube, told delegates that the construction sector remains central to Zimbabwe’s socio-economic transformation.

“Construction is more than just an industry; it is a broad ecosystem that encompasses various trades and plays a critical role in job creation,” she said.
“In our context, the sector holds immense potential to reduce unemployment and improve living standards through the delivery of decent housing.”

She also highlighted the government’s ongoing collaboration with ZBCA and other stakeholders in the drive to deliver one million housing units by 2025 under the National Development Strategy.

Referring to the event’s theme, ‘Embrace Change, Cultivate Growth, and Transform’, Ncube said the government was committed to elevating the status of women in society.

ZBCA Chief Executive Officer, Joyline Zindaga, said the ceremony was a celebration of women’s resilience and determination in reshaping the industry.

“We are here to celebrate the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women who are transforming the construction industry brick by brick, plan by plan, and project by project,” she said.

“As we embark on this journey together, I encourage you to be bold, take risks, and support one another. This year’s theme resonates deeply with the path many of us have travelled. For generations, construction was seen as a man’s world, but that world is evolving,” she added.

ZBCA Southern Region Chairperson, Mrs. Sithabile Sibanda, also praised the achievements of women.

“We lobby for the rights of contractors, both female and male, but today, we have chosen to honour the women who have made us proud—the women who continue to do exceptional work,” she said.