Real estate and construction sectors are important economic drivers in Kenya, currently contributing 8.2% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to the National Construction Authority, the construction industry is made up of 511,676 skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled artisans with women underrepresented in all categories with a proportion of only 19%.Construction is predominantly perceived to be a man’s area with women viewed as outsiders. Brandy is one of the few women making strides to change this perception and attitude.

Brandy is a 19-year-old construction worker from the slums of Mathare in Kenya. The first born in a family of two children, Brandy is one of the 37 trainees who graduated from the BuildHer training programme, with a certificate in carpentry and joinery.

BuildHer is an organisation that equips disadvantaged women in Kenya with accredited construction skills and life skills and connects trainees to work opportunities.  The organisation trains women in technical carpentry skills – design, woodwork and joinery – as well as soft skills including work safety, communication, money logic, human rights, reproductive health, conflict management and leadership skills. BuildHer has been supported by the Kenya Catalytic Jobs Fund to develop a market driven curriculum and place graduates in work opportunities.

After graduating, Brandy was placed at an international school construction site as an intern. During her internship at the construction site, Brandy has supported the construction team in woodwork and masonry. She has also had an opportunity to learn how to conduct surveys using dumping level machines and laser level machines, as well as procurement, store management and general project management. Brandy has taken a keen interest in procurement and hopes to further her education in this area in particular.

“The training has changed my attitude and perception towards construction which is predominantly presumed to be a male domain. I enjoy and have lots of fun as I work with my colleagues”, Brandy said.

In addition to giving Brandy technical skills, this opportunity has greatly improved her soft skills. The training and apprenticeship opportunity combined have strengthened Brandy’s ability to adapt her skills, developed a positive attitude towards construction and improved her communication and leadership skills – which have helped her relate well with her colleagues in the workplace.

Brandy earns a daily rate of Ksh 700. Through this wage, she is able to pay for her transport, food, support her family to pay rent and most importantly save. Brandy is saving up for her college education where she hopes to pursue a diploma in procurement. She also hopes serve as a role model to many young girls who would like to join the male dominated construction industry and pave the way for women to thrive in the industry.

Through DFID-funded Kenya Catalytic Jobs Fund programme, Mercy Corps is supporting BuildHer to train more women like Brandy in carpentry and joinery.  Once, they complete the training, the trainees are matched to employers.