Women in Construction

 

Article published on 12 June 2014

Socio-Economic developments require increased manpower and ability, different perspective and fresh input. The empowerment of women as active contributors to the economy and social development encouraged recognition.

Women in Construction Excellence

It was about this time last year that the first event honouring women for in construction took place. The second annual Women in Construction Excellence awards took lace in Johannesburg on 24 May 2014.

The three main categories that were in focus this year included:

Industry transformation: Won by Malani Padayachee-Saman, the founder and CEO of Malani Padayachee and Associates, better known as MPA consulting.

Emerging excellence: Adele Lombard a structural engineer at GIBB Consulting Services

African Project leader: Azeb Asnake, CEO of Ethiopian Electric Power

About the winners

Malani Padayachee-Saman

Coming from a relatively consevative background Malani was encouraged to study engineering, which initially was chemical engineering but Malani felt her passion for the subject fizz out rather quickly and after some deliberation and advice her direction changed and she found herself in the male dominated world of civil enfineering.

Feeling the need to prove herself Malani worked extremely hard and absorbed all the learning and hands on experience she could. Fortunately she spent a large portion of this period under the employ and mentorship of a former Johannesburg City Engineer, Eric Hall.

Malani says she has learnt a lot on her way to the top and her full story including her tips for success can be found in an extract from the book My Success, Your Success by Jane Notten.

 

Azeb Asnake

Widely known for her role in the construction of Gilgel Gibe 3 one of the largest dam constructions in Africa.

Azeb has recently taken over the role as CEO for the construction of power generation.

Watch a short video posted by the International Hydropower Association.

Other leaders

Other women who have strived for excellence in their relative construction field were honoured for their contributions at the event.

Supporters of excellence in construction include South African brick suppliers Logibrik and Brick Warehouse