Construction is a man’s game. These women are demolishing the barriers

Construction is a man's game. These women are demolishing the barriers

Construction is a man s game - Kenya’s construction industry, a cornerstone of the nation’s economic growth, has long been dominated by men. Yet, in the heart of Nairobi’s bustling industrial landscape, a quiet revolution is taking shape. Women like Diana Ojiambo, a 24-year-old machine operator, are challenging traditional norms and reshaping the sector’s future. Ojiambo, who works at Furniture International, recalls how she once hesitated to assert herself in a male-centric environment. “I was too shy to speak up,” she says, her voice steady as she guides cabinet panels through a PVC edger. “But now, I can.”

Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Field

At Furniture International, a workshop on the outskirts of Nairobi, the sounds of circular saws, hammers, and industrial machinery create a cacophony that drowns out conversation. Diana’s story is emblematic of a broader shift. Just a year ago, she had never worked with men in construction. Today, she navigates the noise with confidence, her hands moving deftly as she feeds materials into the machines. Her journey mirrors that of others in the sector, where women remain a scarce presence despite the industry’s rapid expansion.

According to Kenya’s National Construction Authority, women constitute only 3% of accredited construction artisans. This statistic reflects deep-seated gender stereotypes that have long relegated women to informal roles—carrying water, hauling sand, or cleaning sites—while men dominate skilled positions. The challenge is compounded by cultural expectations that place the bulk of unpaid caregiving and household duties on women. “Even in this company, some men still question if women are suited for this kind of work,” Ojiambo says, pointing to her male colleagues. But her determination is proving otherwise.

Empowering Women Through Training

Nairobi-based nonprofit Buildher is at the forefront of this change. The organization’s year-long programs in carpentry, tiling, painting, and solar installation are designed to equip women with the tools to thrive in construction. Since launching in 2019, Buildher has trained over 1,000 women, many of whom have seen their daily incomes soar from roughly $1.50 to between $11 and $12. “This transformation isn’t just about jobs—it’s about self-reliance,” says Tatu Gatere, an architect and co-founder of Buildher. “I wanted to help women see the potential that’s right in front of them.”

For some, the first step was simply hearing a story like theirs. Graduates often become advocates, encouraging friends and neighbors to join the program. “When women see others succeed, it makes the idea feel attainable,” Gatere explains. This ripple effect has driven much of Buildher’s growth, transforming the organization from a local initiative into a movement with national reach.

The training process is as rigorous as it is empowering. At Spectrum Business Park, a network of warehouse buildings with green corrugated roofs, women gather early each weekday for orientation sessions. A recent cohort of 16 trainees sat in plastic chairs for an introductory talk on solar installation, a new course introduced this year. In adjacent workshops, participants work on concrete floors, spreading tile adhesive into thin grey lines and using notched trowels to create even ridges. Robert Ndungu, a trainer, moves between them, offering hands-on guidance. “These women start with no experience,” he says. “By the end of the program, they’re capable of earning a living and lifting their families out of hardship.”

A Second Chance for Single Mothers and Unemployed Women

For many, Buildher offers more than just skills—it provides a lifeline. Diana Ojiambo, a single mother of two young children, was once struggling to make ends meet before she heard about the nonprofit from a friend in Kibera, Nairobi’s sprawling informal settlement. “Life was tough,” she says. “But now, I can support my kids and my family.” Her story is shared by countless others who have found stability through the program.

The success of Buildher’s graduates is backed by data. A 2024 Dalberg study revealed that 65% of participants remained employed in construction a year after training. This retention rate underscores the program’s effectiveness in not only teaching technical skills but also in fostering confidence and resilience. “The women who come here are ready to learn,” Ndungu notes. “They bring a hunger for progress that’s hard to ignore.”

Rebuilding Communities, One Project at a Time

As the sun rises over Nairobi, the energy at Buildher’s training center is palpable. New students arrive with notebooks and determination, eager to transform their lives. The program’s expansion into solar installation reflects a growing recognition of the need for diverse expertise in the industry. “We’re not just training workers—we’re building a sustainable future for these women,” Gatere says. The shift from informal labor to formal employment is gradual but measurable, with many graduates reporting improved living conditions and greater independence.

Yet, the road to equality is not without hurdles. Even as women gain proficiency in their trades, societal attitudes often lag behind. Diana Ojiambo acknowledges this as she looks toward her ambitions. “Within the next year, I hope to start my own carpentry business in Kibera,” she says. “It’s a dream, but it’s within reach.” Her goal is part of a larger vision: to create spaces where women can lead, innovate, and redefine the industry’s image.

The impact of these efforts extends beyond individual stories. As more women enter construction, they are not only changing their own trajectories but also influencing broader cultural perceptions. “The idea that women are less capable in this field is slowly fading,” says Gatere. “It’s a mental barrier that’s been broken by women who are now proving themselves every day.”

For the women of Buildher, the journey is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. They face challenges, but their persistence is reshaping the industry. “If you believe in yourself and know what you want,” Diana says, “you show them that whatever they can do, you can do better.” These words encapsulate the spirit of a movement that is quietly but steadily transforming Kenya’s construction landscape—one woman at a time.

As the city’s skyline grows, so does the role of women in its foundation. Their presence is a testament to the power of education, advocacy, and resilience. The future of Kenya’s construction industry may well be shaped by these trailblazers, who are proving that the barriers they once faced are now being dismantled. In a sector that has traditionally excluded them, women are not just surviving—they’re thriving.