Story by Tichaona Kurewa
WOMEN contractors are playing an increasingly prominent role in the rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, as the flagship infrastructure project advances inclusive development while transforming one of Zimbabwe’s most strategic tourism and trade corridors.
With eight contractors accelerating civil works to meet the 2026 completion deadline, the road upgrade has become a platform for women’s professional development, reflecting the government’s commitment to the “leaving no one behind” policy.
Female-led construction firms are contributing significantly to the works, challenging the historically male-dominated nature of the sector.
Linash Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe (CIFOZ) Managing Director and president, Mrs Elina Shoko, said the project was designed to provide opportunities for women and young professionals, particularly engineering graduates.
“Universities continue to produce well-qualified graduates, and we deliberately bring young women onto the site to gain hands-on experience, just like everyone else,” she said.
She added that empowering women within the construction sector has broader national development benefits.
“When women are given responsibility, they deliver, despite the many responsibilities we carry, we ensure that the work is done. I strongly feel I have been given an opportunity to inspire other women who may think it is not possible, to show them that it can be done,” she added.
Another female contractor, Syvern Construction Managing Director, Mrs Silven Chisewe Musara, said her involvement in the project challenges long-standing gender stereotypes in road construction.
“Many people believe road construction is for men, and I am proud to be here. This is not my first road project, it is almost my seventh across Zimbabwe,” she said.
More than 30 kilometres of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway have already been opened to traffic, reflecting steady progress on the project.
Authorities say the growing presence of women contractors highlights a positive shift within Zimbabwe’s construction sector, where professionalism, competence, and technical capacity are increasingly taking precedence over gender, while contributing to inclusive economic growth and skills development.
