Byo businesswoman to host industry indaba empowering women in construction

Mbekezeli Ncube

A Bulawayo businesswoman is taking a bold step to inspire and empower the next generation of women venturing into construction and other traditionally male-dominated industries.

Nontokozo Ngwenya, a contractor and founder of the African Social Infrastructural Development Trust (ASIDT), is hosting an Industry Indaba today at the Monarch Training Centre in Thorngroove, Bulawayo where Minister of Industry and Commerce, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni will be the guest of honour

Ngwenya, through her organization’s program, African Women in Construction, Manufacturing and Agriculture Industries (AWICOM), is passionate about breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for women in these fields. The Indaba, which coincides with International Women’s Day and Women’s Month, aims to achieve exactly that.

“We want to bring together women in the industry, from seasoned professionals to students pursuing careers in these fields,” Ngwenya said in an exclusive interview with Community Podium. “The goal is to discuss the challenges we face and identify the opportunities that lie ahead.”

The event will not only focus on empowering women but also foster collaboration. Ngwenya has invited stakeholders, government representatives, financial institutions, training institutions, and other governing bodies to participate. She hopes the Indaba will serve as a platform for partnership building and knowledge sharing.

Ngwenya herself has faced her fair share of challenges in her career as a builder. “Early on, clients weren’t very confident in working with me,” she shared. “However, things have gotten better as more women enter the industry and showcase their skills and capabilities. Women are naturally good at building relationships, and that has helped build trust with clients.”

Ngwenya’s expertise extends beyond construction. She also offers services in tilling, landscaping, paving, and metal fabrication, proving that women can excel in various industrial fields.

This Industry Indaba is a significant development for women in Zimbabwe, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future in the construction and industrial sectors.