Date: 29 August 2024

To: All media

Embargo: For Immediate Release

Beyond Slogans: Empowering Women in the Built Environment for True Transformation

As we reflect on the journey thirty years into democracy, it’s vital to recognize both the achievements and the challenges that still lie ahead. While there have seen numerous policy and legislative reforms, it’s disheartening to note that the Built Environment sector remains largely untransformed.

According to the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) statistics, only 13% of professionally registered individuals in this field are women. These statistics are indeed worrying and highlight a significant inequality that must be addressed.

While it’s vital to acknowledge and remind ourselves of these statistics, I think we also need to be cautious of what I like to call “sloganeering,” particularly during the month of August, which is widely regarded as Women’s Month. We must guard against merely paying lip service to the issue without taking substantial action. It’s not enough to celebrate women for a month, only to forget about them for the remaining eleven. It’s crucial that our commitment goes beyond just words and slogans.

The CBE , in collaboration with the Tshwane University of Technology – Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment recently hosted a fantastic Youth Assembly and Women’s Network event under the theme “Women’s Well-being and Career Growth”. The networking event aimed to empower underprivileged female students by addressing both their educational needs and personal well-being. A significant part of the event was a hygiene products drive, which successfully donated over 200 dignity packs. Additionally, this is part of our broader programme aimed at empowering women and creating a networking platform for information sharing, best practices, and role modelling within the Built Environment.

It was inspiring to see so many passionate individuals, especially young women, come together to discuss ideas, share experiences, and work towards building a more inclusive Built Environment. We had insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and a chance to highlight the vital role that women play in this field.

This, for us, was a demonstration that we shouldn’t just talk about these issues; our actions must reflect our intentions. We are now deliberately creating supportive platforms that allow women in the Built Environment to pursue their passions and practice what they studied, just like their male counterparts.

We do this because we strongly believe that for change to happen, it must start with us, and it is a long journey. We will continue to advocate and champion inclusivity, foster partnerships, and ensure that the voices of women are not just heard but valued.

Issued by:

Council for the Built Environment

Tel: 012 3463985

www.cbe.org.za