Tanzanian Women Break Barriers in Construction Industry
DAR ES SALAAM — three courageous women from Ludewa district in Njombe have shared their stories of working in the construction sector—a field traditionally dominated by men. Furaha Fusi, Upendo Chaya, and Secy Mwinuka have taken on physically demanding roles such as carrying concrete, bricks, and debris at construction sites across Tanzania.
Their journey began with employment from Finehome Company of Ludewa, which offered them work in various locations. Initially, nine workers were employed, but due to the harsh working conditions and unpredictable weather, only these three women remained.
Furaha Fusi started working in construction five years ago after leaving her job as a security guard. She recounts how her former husband dismissed her from her job, citing his discomfort with her working night shifts. In 2017, Furaha began working for Finehome, initially in water collection, and later moved to carrying concrete and other construction tasks. She values her job as it supports her family, including her three children. Despite her separation from her former husband, she continues to support their children financially.
Upendo Chaya, 20, transitioned to construction work in 2019 from a food vending job that paid her between 2,000 and 3,000 Tanzanian Shillings per day. She found the job insufficient to meet her responsibilities, including caring for her child and grandmother. Since joining the construction field, she has worked across various regions, earning up to 15,000 Shillings daily, which decreases to around 10,000 Shillings as projects near completion.
Secy Mwinuka began working in construction when her child was just one year old. Unlike her colleagues, Secy was recruited by her husband, who had previously worked with the company. They now work together, managing their living expenses by renting accommodation for extended periods when projects last longer. Secy has balanced her work and family life by bringing her child to work for breastfeeding until the child was two years old.
The women face several challenges in their line of work. Secy mentions dealing with workplace humor that can sometimes escalate into conflict. Payment delays are another issue, as delays from clients affect their earnings. Despite these challenges, Secy emphasizes their patience and understanding towards their boss, who has never mistreated them.
Furaha notes another challenge: unsolicited advances. She stresses the importance of staying focused on the job to avoid such distractions.
Sylvest Noel, their supervisor, praises their dedication despite receiving lower allowances. He highlights that their hard work has allowed some of them to purchase land. Noel values their commitment and integrity, noting that some workers who do not align with the job’s demands are dismissed.
Daniel Yohana, a colleague, remarks on the women’s respectful behavior, contrasting it with the often more contentious interactions among male workers.
The experiences of Furaha, Upendo, and Secy exemplify bravery and determination as they defy gender norms in their industry. Their stories are a testament to their resilience and commitment to supporting their families through challenging work environments.
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