1. Attaining and retaining Women in Construction Management:
The Youth Perspective
By Amanda Filtane-Mtya
BSc Construction Management, UCT
Construction Project Manager – Rural Infrastructure Development, North West

2. -Everybody thinks they can do it
Setting the scene
Construction Management can be seen as the woman of Built Environment Professions
-Marginalised
-Underrated
-Scarce
-Misunderstood
-Everybody thinks they can do it

3. Award-winning education to employment public-private initiative.
Internationally-recognised four-phase programme that educates young people
Extra-tuition for grade 11 & 12 (Maths, Science, Life Skills, Computer classes)
Career guidance
Bridge the gap between School & University
Financial support for tertiary studies
Secure employment
Alumni of mentors
With enough capacity, Go-for-Gold has modelled a One Stop Shop in addressing the skills shortage in the Built Environment Professions in South Africa

4. Impact

5. I have a competitive advantage!
Why Construction Management (CM)?
To challenge and defy norms – represent!
Key role in Construction Project Delivery
Influences people
To test my limits – stressful & strenuous role
It’s exciting and fulfilling – every project, a new story
I have a competitive advantage!

6. It’s up to us to create the change we want to see in the world
Stereotype mentality is most dangerous and hinders transformation
It’s up to us to create the change we want to see in the world

7. How to attract and retain young women into CM?
Create new networks for women for personal development
Mentors/Role models
Market the discipline
Implement just opportunities policies and programmes (flexibility being key)
Improve inappropriate and poor working and employment conditions
Appreciation and respect of cultural differences
Be willing to compete with other job markets

8. Aspirations… Women headed companies and projects
Increased number of females, qualified, competent and registered CM PRactioners
Solutions based summits to address and drive sustainable development initiaves
SACPCMP to have Provincial offices across SA
Fair & better treatment of young Professionals regardless of race & gender

9. In order to make a more
meaningful, just and
transformative
contribution, young
women intake
(into Universities,
Workplace, etc.)
should always,
always EXCEED
the percentage
of the male
counterparts

10. The end…
Enkosi