Everyone, without exception, should feel welcome in their workplace. People should not live in fear of being harassed or discriminated against.
When I hosted CIOB’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Global Conference late last year, I was saddened to hear about some of the challenges women in particular face in the construction sector in sub-Saharan Africa.
This was the second edition of the successful online conference, which brought together industry representatives from around the world to highlight their industry’s EDI challenges and plans for how to address them.
We heard passionate talks from Keabetswe Letlape and Thandeka Mahathini, two members of the Council for the Built Environment of South Africa (CBE).
They spoke at length about some of the prominent diversity issues in sub-Saharan Africa, from gender discrimination to issues related to poverty and class.
access to opportunities
Like Western countries, sub-Saharan Africa faces a critical skills shortage when it comes to the number of construction workers.
It was alarming to hear that despite an untapped market of potential candidates, there is still significant unemployment, especially in townships.
People often forget that construction workers benefit everyone. Not only does construction provide a significant boost to the economy, but the wider community also benefits from the construction projects we build and create.
There are elements of social inequality that prevent people from taking up roles in the construction field. This, combined with a lack of access to proper education, prevents people from receiving the proper training they need to enjoy a successful and rewarding career in the construction industry.
I share the call of CBE members that more women are needed and welcomed within the industry.
CIOB has the same goal in mind. In other words, we want the sector to reflect wider society.
Another issue concerns the provision of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) for women. People come in all different shapes and sizes. My message to PPE providers is clear. Everyone has the right to work safely.
CIOB’s #PPEthatfits campaign has resonated with many within and outside the construction industry since its launch last year. We still have a long way to go, but we hope that as many construction companies across sub-Saharan Africa as possible will join us in our efforts to ensure everyone has access to appropriate personal protective equipment.
Training for inclusion
Of course, we can’t improve EDI across the global construction industry without the support of our members. That’s why we’ve launched a range of resources to raise awareness and spread important messages about the importance of an inclusive construction sector.
Approximately 250 construction companies around the world have signed the Diversity and Inclusion Charter, promoting five key actions to improve diversity and inclusion.
Employers who sign up can expect to see greater diversity and a sense of belonging within their organizations, helping to address the skills shortages affecting the sector. Actions include providing leadership, developing a plan, creating a culture, transparency, and accountability.
Another important resource is the free EDI online training course. This course, available through the Future Learn website, requires two hours of online learning per week for three consecutive weeks and covers the need to address diversity and inclusion, why the construction industry faces challenges, and how to make a difference.
So far, approximately 400 students have enrolled and participated in this course. We look forward to enrolling more students in the near future.
EDI is a global issue, and the construction industry in sub-Saharan Africa has its share of challenges. My CIOB colleagues and I are determined to promote a fair and inclusive industry for all and welcome South Africa’s CBE’s ambition to improve access to education and create a more inclusive environment to alleviate the industry’s skills crisis.
Photo: Women under construction (© Korn Vittayanukarun | Dreamstime)
