Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore how women use their agency to assert themselves in the construction industry. It was guided by four objectives, the first which was to examine women's experiences of working in the construction sector, the second which was to examine how women define their agency within the construction sector, and the third which was to examine how women use their agency to transform the working space into an inclusive one. Finally, how do women use their agency in the workplace to challenge male dominance? A purposeful sample of ten women working in male-dominated contexts, namely Kusile and Medupi Power Stations, was used. In-depth online interviews were conducted, and data was analysed thematically. The key findings illustrated that women are treated unfairly, are intimidated and made to feel as appendages to the company. Even though that this may be the case, these women appear to make headway in the construction of electricity-generating power plants at Kusile and Medupi, despite the antagonistic conditions they work under. Their agency serve as catalysts for them making strides in their work space. This includes asserting their rights, establishing names for themselves, working twice as hard to become an insider, and supporting one another. Notwithstanding these qualities, most of the participants singled out resilience as the necessary attribute to survive and thrive at work. They defined resilience as relying on one's own strength and capability. Resilience in this case means that these participants knew exactly what they sort to achieve and worked extra hard towards this end. According to the research, it was also critical to understand how the sector confines female workers in their working spaces. Key Words: Women’s Agency, Male Dominated industry, Construction, Kusile Power Station, Medupi Power Station, Male domination, Gender inequality.
M.A. (Industrial Sociology)