“Construction is not easy. Being women in construction makes it even harder. However, you have chosen a career that can bring an incredible amount of joy and pride. There is something very special about standing back and looking at a building, a bridge or a road, and knowing you were part of that. We know the challenges behind the scenes – but when you finally see what you have helped to create, it is all worthwhile. That is when you put on your lipstick, smile and know you were born for this!”
That was the message from guest speaker Martie Coulson, owner and founder of Zambia-based Mart Solutions, at the third annual Gals In Hard Hats event, co-sponsored by pre-cast concrete products provider Colossal Concrete Products (CCP), construction chemicals company Chryso Southern Africa, and supplier of cement, construction materials and technical solutions AfriSam SA (Pty) Ltd at Pretoria University’s Engineering 4.0 Concrete Laboratory in August, as part of their South Africa’s National Women’s Month celebrations.
The initiative, which is the brainchild of Colossal Concrete Products CEO Gwen Mahuma-Madida, sets out to facilitate mentorship, motivation and networking opportunities, while highlighting career opportunities for South African women in Science, Technology, Mathematics and Engineering (STEM)-related professions.
Queens in Construction
The co-sponsors take turns to host the event, and this year Chryso Southern Africa did the honours, with a blue- and purple themed event which sparkled with bling, fun and inspiration.
This year’s angle – Queens in Construction – focused on women’s contribution to the construction sector.
“The message that we sent at Gals in Hard Hats 2026 has inspired young women and opened their eyes to the challenges they may face. Many of those who attended are still young. I think we have shown them that, as we mature in our careers, we need to be balanced – because we have careers and families, we study, we have personal commitments, and we are still pursuing our professional goals,” adds Michelle Fick, Business Unit Development Manager at this year’s hosts Chryso Southern Africa.
“We have been intentional about what we are doing. Women are often believed to stand in the way of each other when it comes to career advancement. We are showing that it is possible for women to work together – and help each other in a sector that is very male-oriented,” adds Mahuma-Madida.
Coulson, who entered the construction industry at 18 and has significant sector experience locally and in Africa, admits this was not where she initially saw herself – but things changed as she moved from aluminium to roofing and finally, to setting up her own Zambian company.
“It became my career and my passion. I still have hard days. There are days when you question yourself, when projects and people frustrate you. One of the biggest lessons that I learnt over the years is that you need to stand your ground. You will walk into meetings and be the only woman at the boardroom table, and arrive at a construction site where people assume that the man standing next to you knows more than you do. However, you do not have to prove yourself or change who you are. Stay humble while also being firm and confident, and setting your own boundaries. You do not have to shout the loudest in the room. Keep learning, ask questions listen to people around you,” she advises.
Colossal Concrete Products Chief Operating Officer Mmapitso Kiewiet emphasises the importance of punctuality, self-presentation, integrity, building a solid routine and accepting constructive criticism in building confidence and success.
Kiewiet also stresses the need for allies – as most women are not self-made, but rather are surrounded by key individuals who help to propel them forward. She also advised that while sacrifices are required for career growth, it is also important to remember to make time for relaxation.
Support builds confidence
“Looking back on the start of my career, I recognise how valuable guidance, support and practical advice can be in helping someone navigate their professional journey. So, it is good for young women entering this construction and engineering sectors to realise that – back in the day – we faced similar challenges and experiences,” observes AfriSam Sales Manager: Cement Manufacturing, Adele Wentzel.
In her speech titled When Biology meets the Boardroom, Wentzel shared her experiences: capturing the essence of what it means to be a woman going through career- and biology-related life-stages, while achieving goals and striving for excellence.
This point really resonated with Water Resource Engineering PhD student Sana Jina, one of the University of Pretoria graduate students who attended the event:
“When I started studying, I questioned whether I would have time for a family and be able to cope. It was therefore very interesting to see so many women in the same room today in the engineering space. Usually, it is 90% men. It was inspiring to hear from senior women in the industry about their thoughts and their experiences. It is always good to gain knowledge from people who have walked the path, maybe in even more difficult circumstances,” she comments.
Mahuma-Madida says Gals In Hard Hats originally began as a platform for women to meet and network. It has however become far more than this – developing into an opportunity for women in the industry to inspire and motivate one other: “We aim to use this as a powerful means to show younger women that it is possible: we have been the trailblazers and we are willing to open doors and clear the way for them to have a bright future in the engineering and construction sectors,” she advises.
Wentzel agrees: “Relationships are not purely transactional, but are also built on respect, trust and meaningful connections. It is our responsibility to demonstrate these values and pass them on to others.”
Fick concludes: “The event speaks for itself. The calibre of speakers over the past three years has influenced – and made a tangible difference – in female students’ lives. Awareness is growing, women in the industry are very keen to participate and we are really building momentum. We are already making plans for the Gals in Hard Hats event next year!”
