CBPM 2025 · Vol. 2025, Issue 1

Enhancing Gender Equality Policies for Promoting Women’s Participation in the Zimbabwean Construction Sector

Modesta Mupondi, Tirivavi Moyo and Cynthia Moyo

Keywords: Construction sector, Gender equality policy, Women, Workplace diversity, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Gender equality is a fundamental human right woven within the Sustainable Development Goals as a blueprint for progress across all areas of life. However, sectors such as the construction industry remain segregated and characterised by unequal opportunities for women. Therefore, the study explored how gender equality policies can be enhanced in the construction sector to improve the participation of women. The concomitant objective was to identify the key strategies that be incorporated in policies promoting women’s participation in the Zimbabwean construction sector. Through an interpretive philosophy, qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews of purposively sampled key informants from construction consultancy firms, government departments and construction professional bodies. Thematic analysis of data was conducted to unveil the prominent strategies for improving gender equality policies. The findings include the need to promulgate construction-specific legislation through improved and wellresourced quota systems for women, effective gender protection policies, and support of work-life balance policies for women. Although adequate policies may be in place, their implementation is lacklustre. A top-down approach may be a significant step toward promoting women's participation in the construction industry. The determined policy enhancement strategies, through analysing views of key professionals and informants, for enhancing gender equality are a significant step in promoting women’s participation. A limitation of the study was the exclusion of most female construction professionals and operatives, yet they possess valuable experience and perspectives of work in the construction sector.