Wentworth women in construction aim to empower others
The stereotypes that people have about women are outdated and we need to show society we can do much more.
TWO Wentworth women who work in construction encourage other women and youth to think about getting into the male-dominated field.
Jean Choudree and Linda van Wyk are the only two female-owned companies chosen to work on the renovations of the Wentworth flats in Austerville. The duo met with the SUN in hopes to empower and encourage other females to consider construction as a career choice. “It’s not a usual field to go into, as women are usually expected to choose careers that are clean and office-based but that should not be the case,” said Choudree.
“This is the time to infiltrate male-dominated careers like construction and be great at it.”
Jean and Linda started out in the construction business about two years. Both have had their ups and downs and being a woman came with its challenges and stereotypes. “This is something we need to overcome. The stereotypes that people have about women are outdated and we need to show society we can do much more. Construction is a great way to gain independance. It comes with a lot of sacrifices, hard work and sleepless nights but at the end it is rewarding to see the work you have done, knowing that it could be someone’s new home that you are working on,” said van Wyk.
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The work they are doing at the Austerville flats has created job opportunities which are targeted at women and unemployed youth. “We are trying to create a window of opportunity for the Wentworth community to get work experience and to further themselves in the field. It is not an easy field, especially for women but once you get a foot in the door, you will thrive,” added van Wyk.
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