Digital equity enabling platform for inclusivity, diversity, equality and accessibility in the South African construction industry (DEEPIDEA)

Addressing the barriers to gender inclusion and promoting digital equity in the South African construction industry
People in hard hats and hi vis vests meeting on a construction site
Title: Digital equity enabling platform for inclusivity, diversity, equality and accessibility in the South African construction industry (DEEPIDEA)
Funded by: British Council
Funding amount: £24,950
Location: South Africa
Dates: January 2025 – January 2026
Project partners: Professor Abimbola Windapo, University of Cape Town, South Africa
¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú staff: Dr Olugbenga Oladinrin (PI), Dr Joao Alencastro
 
The construction sector has historically lacked diversity, with recruitment practices favouring men and limited participation by women in higher education and professional roles. Advances in digital technology present an opportunity to challenge traditional norms and create a more inclusive industry. However, significant digital literacy and access gaps hinder women from fully benefiting from these advancements.
DEEPIDEA seeks to leverage digital transformation to enable greater participation of women in the industry, aligning with South Africa's for eradicating poverty and reducing inequality by 2030.
 
female professional on a construction site

Project objectives

  • Identify barriers to digital equity: Explore challenges preventing women from accessing and benefiting from digital tools and technologies in the construction industry.
  • Promote digital literacy: Develop initiatives to enhance digital skills and capabilities among women in construction-related professions.
  • Encourage gender inclusion: Address recruitment and retention practices to advance gender balance in the industry.
  • Leverage digital transformation: Highlight the role of digital tools, automation, and flexible digital environments in breaking traditional gender barriers.
  • Raise awareness and aspirations: Inspire women professionals and encourage young girls to pursue careers in the construction industry through targeted campaigns and initiatives.
  • Contribute to national goals: Align efforts with South Africa's National Development Plan to promote social equity and economic transformation through digital inclusion.

Promoting digital equity in the South African construction industry is not just about bridging a technological gap – it's about breaking down traditional gender barriers, enabling women to harness the full potential of digital transformation, and ensuring the economic benefits of this revolution are shared equitably.

Olugbenga OladinrinDr Olugbenga Oladinrin
Associate Professor in Construction Project Management

Promoting inclusivity in the South African construction industry

The South African construction industry has long struggled with gender imbalance and a lack of diversity, with recruitment practices favouring men and limited opportunities for women in construction-related education and careers. The physical nature of traditional construction jobs and societal perceptions have further reinforced these barriers. However, the ongoing digital transformation of the industry offers an opportunity to challenge these norms.
Despite the potential of digital tools, automation, and flexible digital environments to create more inclusive opportunities, women remain underrepresented in accessing and benefiting from these advancements due to gaps in digital literacy, access, and skills. Addressing these issues is critical for ensuring equitable participation and realising the broader economic and social benefits of digital transformation, aligning with South Africa's National Development Plan to reduce inequality and promote inclusivity by 2030.
 
We are pleased to share highlights from the recently concluded DEEPIDEA Workshop, held on 5 August 2025 at the University of Cape Town, South Africa.
The workshop brought together academics, industry professionals, policymakers, and students to explore innovative strategies for advancing digital equity, gender balance, and inclusivity within the South African construction industry. Through engaging presentations, interactive sessions, and collaborative discussions, participants examined the challenges and opportunities of leveraging digital technologies to foster equality and accessibility.
This event marked another important milestone in the DEEPIDEA project, supported by the British Council, reinforcing our commitment to creating equitable digital ecosystems in construction. We are grateful to all speakers, participants, and partners for their invaluable contributions to the success of the workshop.
DEEP-IDEA workshop

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