Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane hosted a Women in Human Settlements Sector Dialogue to conclude the 2026 [1] Women’s Month programme.
The event serves as a strategic effort to increase the economic participation of women in a sector traditionally dominated by men. By creating an evidence-based platform, the ministry aims to translate policy commitments into tangible economic gains for female professionals and entrepreneurs.
The dialogue took place at the Maslow Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg. The gathering focused on reflecting on progress and recognizing achievements made within the human settlements sector. Simelane said the event was designed to strengthen commitments toward women’s economic empowerment.
As part of the closing of the 2026 [1] programme, the dialogue sought to provide a space for stakeholders to identify barriers to entry and growth for women. The ministry emphasized the need for unity among women working within the built environment to ensure collective progress.
The initiative aligns with broader national goals to integrate gender-responsive planning into urban development. By focusing on evidence-based reflections, the ministry intends to refine how human settlements are delivered and managed. Simelane said the dialogue was essential for ensuring that women are not only participants but leaders in the sector's evolution.
“Strengthening commitments to women’s economic empowerment in the human settlements sector.”
This dialogue indicates a shift toward using data-driven evidence to address gender disparity in South Africa's construction and urban planning industries. By linking Women's Month celebrations to specific economic empowerment goals, the government is attempting to move beyond symbolic recognition toward structural changes in the built environment.
