The roofing industry has long been dominated by men, but in recent years, more and more women have been breaking through and making their mark in this traditionally male-dominated field. In South Africa, women are joining the ranks of roofers, estimators, project managers, and other professionals in the industry, and are showing that they have what it takes to excel in these roles.
While women still face some challenges in the roofing industry, such as a lack of representation and gender-based discrimination, many are taking steps to overcome these obstacles and achieve success. They are actively seeking out training and educational opportunities, networking with other professionals in the industry, and advocating for greater gender diversity and inclusion.
Organizations like the South African Women in Construction (SAWIC) and the Women in Roofing (WiR) initiative are working to support women in the roofing industry by providing resources and mentorship opportunities, as well as promoting awareness of the contributions that women are making in this field. These groups are helping to inspire more women to enter the roofing industry and are working to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for all professionals in the field.
One such example of a woman who has excelled in the roofing industry is Nokubonga Qampi, a project manager at a roofing company in Cape Town. Qampi started as an administrative assistant at the company and worked her way up through the ranks, proving her expertise and dedication along the way. She has been recognized for her leadership and was named one of the Top 40 Women in Construction in South Africa in 2020.
Women like Qampi are paving the way for future generations of women in the roofing industry in South Africa. By showing that they have the skills and talent to succeed in this field, they are breaking down barriers and creating new opportunities for women to pursue careers in roofing.
While there is still work to be done to promote gender diversity and inclusion in the roofing industry in South Africa, women are making significant strides and are demonstrating that they have a valuable contribution to make in this field. With continued support from organisations and industry leaders, we can expect to see even more women entering and thriving in the roofing industry in the years to come.