Gender and development in the construction industry in South Africa: A study of partnerships as alternative solution for women

One of the challenges facing South Africa as a developing country is unemployment and the empowerment of previously disadvantaged communities. Through the Reconstruction and Development Policy (RDP), equal opportunity job programs were created in the construction industry to involve small and large contractors in the building of new physical infrastructure. Male and female contractors have emerged to participate in the equipment-based programs. However, the problem is that only few women who are entering as contractors in the equipment-based programs are making sustained progress.;The study utilized qualitative research methods to explore the entry of women into the field. It examined why some women and their partners make progress while others do not.;Emerging women contractors, their partners, consultants from government departments who work with the contractors, gender officers and policy makers were interviewed. In all, a total of 62 interviews were conducted. About 10 interviews were conducted with experts in the construction industry to explore questions generated by this study. A case study analysis was undertaken.;The findings of this study identified four groups of women; women who advance because they entered the construction industry with relevant skills, women who follow a "business like approach" in the development of their firms, women who used a "development approach" in their work and women who entered the construction industry with the hope to gain skills. The general findings of this study indicate that government supports are not sufficient for emerging women contractors. Programs appear to benefit established and skilled contractors. While less established women and their partners find policies and programs insufficient and unfair. Policy and research recommendations are presented.