With rising education levels and general empowerment, women play an increasingly important role in economic development across the continent. Even though this is an overall positive development, typically male dominated sectors such as the construction industry still have a long way to go when it comes to establishing diversity.

To recognise the contribution of female professionals in Africa’s built environment, the African Construction Expo, in conjunction with the Department of Public Works, presents the second annual Women in Construction Excellence Awards at the Sandton Convention Centre, in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday, May 28, 2014.

RECOGNISING WOMEN WHO PERSEVERE

Now in their second year, the awards celebrate the expanded role of women and drive diversity in the construction industry. They honour women who have pioneered the development of the African built environment and recognise the emerging leaders of the industry. Last year, PPC South Africa GM Busi Legodi and Khuthaza executive director Elizabeth O’Leary won the Women in Construction Excellence awards.

Nigerian-based Prof Danladi Slim Matawal, who is a member of the Women in Construction Excellence awards judging panel, says among the nominees, he is looking for a “women who despite all the surrounding atmosphere in construction perseveres and rises to the top. I believe that this type of woman should be recognised. I believe we need an award to push for African women to pursue careers in construction.”

SHORTLISTED NOMINATIONS

This year, three awards will be handed out for the categories industry transformation, emerging excellence and African project leader. After a first round of reviews, the Women in Construction Excellence awards team have now published a list of shortlisted nominations:

1. Ethiopian Electric Power CEO Azeb Asnake, Ethiopia
2. ROBBERG READY-MIX owner Charmaine Botha, South Africa
3. Plateau State Polytechnic director of Engineering Rose Edwin Daffi, Nigeria
4. eThekwini Municipality development manager Laura Hunt, South Africa
5. GIBB Consulting Engineers structural engineer Adele Lombard, South Africa
6. Inyatsi quantity surveyor Nokulunga Mavuso, Swaziland
7. Lettam Building & Civils managing member Lijeng Mokoatle, South Africa
8. Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers engineer Farai Mavhiya-Bhiza, Zimbabwe
9. Diba Built Environment Solutions director Nandipha Nqokoto, South Africa
10.Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute senior research officer Emeso Ojo, Nigeria
11.Malani Padayachee & Associates founder and CEO Malani Padayachee-Saman, South Africa

These nominations have been submitted for final assessment by the judging panel. The winners will be announced at the African Construction Expo.

Construction professionals of all trades are invited to visit the exhibition free of charge.
For further information, please contact Stefanie Pillay at stefanie.pillay@hypenica.com.