MILLICENT HUNGWE
Women are no longer just spectators in the world of construction, they are actively building Zimbabwe, brick by brick and beam by beam.
From steel fixing to machine operation, their presence is growing and becoming essential across major road infrastructure projects in the country.
Engineer Joy Makumbe, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, confirmed that the Ministry’s thrust is to ensure women are empowered to take up technical jobs, especially in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
“At this Masimba Construction site, we have women who are working as steel fixers, a role many assumed was only for men,” she explained during her recent visit.
Virginia Zongo (40), one of the female contractors at the Mucheke Bridge project, told The Midweek Watch that she’s proud of her journey.
“I grew up believing that no job is too difficult if you are willing to learn. I now work side by side with men, building our country,” she encouraged young women to never limit themselves based on gender.
Joyce Mazorodze Chidziwo (35) from Masimba Construction, with four years of experience under her belt, shared how the job has changed her life.
“This work has helped me provide for my family. Women must not look down on themselves, we are capable,” she said.
Masimba Construction’s Contract Manager, Engineer Malvin Munemo, revealed that 21 women are currently working on key structures, including Mucheke Bridge, Chimusana bridges, and the iconic Masvingo “Trabablas” trumpet interchange.
At Bitumen World’s Ngundu section, Site Agent Ronald Kasu confirmed the employment of five women in various roles, while Construction Engineer Tapiwa Munengwa from Exodus and Company shared that 90 (25%) of the workforce along their stretch are women.
Under Fossil Construction, 50 employees are women, many in technical roles such as machine operators, forewomen, and general hands, The Midweek Watch confirmed.
With these developments, the construction industry is proving to be a fertile ground for true gender inclusivity, reflecting Zimbabwe’s push for women empowerment and equal opportunities in all sectors of the economy.
As the nation works toward Vision 2030, it is clear that women are not just participating, they are leading the way.
