Construction is a man's game. These women are demolishing the barriers
Students take part in a tiling class at the Buildher training facility in Nairobi, Kenya. Tommy Trenchard for NPR hide caption On the busy workshop floor at Furniture International on the outskirts of
Students take part in a tiling class at the Buildher training facility in Nairobi, Kenya. Tommy Trenchard for NPR hide caption On the busy workshop fl
Read Full Story at NPR News →Why This Matters
The underrepresentation of women in skilled trades is not just a gender equity issue—it’s an economic one. By breaking into construction, these women are not only reshaping their own futures but also challenging long-standing cultural narratives that confine women to domestic roles. Their participation in male-dominated sectors could help address labor shortages while proving that diversity in skilled labor drives innovation and productivity.
Background Context
Kenya’s construction sector has historically mirrored global trends, with women comprising less than 5% of the workforce in formal trades despite making up nearly half of the labor force. Cultural barriers, lack of access to vocational training, and persistent stereotypes have kept women out of these fields, though initiatives like Buildher are slowly changing the landscape. The informal nature of much of Kenya’s construction work further exacerbates exclusion, as women often lack the networks or capital to enter even entry-level roles.
What Happens Next
As more women complete programs like Buildher’s, the next phase will test whether these gains translate into sustained employment or if systemic barriers—such as wage gaps or workplace discrimination—will persist. Policymakers and employers will face pressure to adapt labor policies, while unions may need to rethink apprenticeship models to ensure inclusivity. The success of these women could also inspire similar programs across Africa, where construction demand is booming but talent pipelines remain rigidly gendered.
Bigger Picture
This shift reflects a broader global movement where women are increasingly entering non-traditional sectors, from tech to trades, often driven by economic necessity and grassroots training programs. In regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, where youth unemployment and gender inequality intersect, such initiatives could serve as a blueprint for economic empowerment. Yet, without structural support—such as affordable childcare or anti-discrimination enforcement—the gains risk being superficial, leaving women in precarious or low-paying roles within the sector.
