The Empowerment and Recognition of Women in Construction (ERWIC) Awards – to be hosted by industry body Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) – takes place on August 14, 2025, at the Houghton Hotel, in Johannesburg.

The awards provide a platform for women in the South African construction industry to access resources required for operations, as well as recognise their contributions in the industry.

The main objective of the ERWIC Awards is to address shortcomings in the local economy, such as youth and gender disparities and to provide access to different avenues for women, says cidb CEO Bongani Dladla.

Initiatives such as these recognition programmes can help address high unemployment rates by empowering women to enter and advance in the traditionally male-dominated construction industry.

By supporting women to “make their mark” in this sector, these programmes can broaden the talent pool and create more employment opportunities, he notes.

“Participants and attendees benefit from networking with industry leaders, gaining visibility for their businesses and projects, and access to skills development and enterprise growth opportunities . . . opening doors to partnerships and further training.”

Dladla says it is important to acknowledge the challenge of youth unemployment and create a space in which young women can be confident of connecting with industry experts, as well as pursuing and creating opportunities.

“They have the chance to connect and build relationships with influential leaders and experienced mentors who can provide guidance and support,” says Dladla. The ERWIC Awards has grown to 15 categories, thereby naturally increasing the visibility of women, their companies and/or projects, as well as their respective disciplines.

Additionally, the cidb – in partnership with the Public Management Institute of sub-Saharan Africa – has launched a pilot initiative during which five women-owned construction companies will participate in training programmes relating to skills development and business optimisation.

The awards, powered by the cidb, will continue to provide access to opportunities and skills for disadvantaged women in its “strategic effort to break down barriers for young women in construction”, Dladla says.

“We look forward to celebrating the winners in August. We are especially grateful to our sponsors, whose generous support makes the ERWIC Awards possible. Their partnership enables us to spotlight excellence, drive transformation and empower the next generation of women in construction,” he concludes.