By Thomas Chidamba
IN a bold move, Santar Construction, Zimbabwe’s first all-female construction firm, is rewriting the rules in a male-dominated industry.
Meet Sandy Bare: The Woman Leading the Change
Founded by Managing Director Sandy Bare, Santar Construction is doing more than just building structures.
It’s breaking down gender barriers.
With five years of experience in construction, Bare is not only a project manager but a visionary entrepreneur.
“I’m passionate about transforming the construction industry into one where women are equally represented at all levels,” Bare said.
A Vision for Gender Equality in Construction
At its core, Santar Construction is a civil engineering firm committed to addressing the skills shortage by hiring an all-female team.
This unique approach is not about feminism, as Bare explained, but about giving women the opportunity to shine in a field that has long been male-dominated.
“We want to spotlight the incredible talent of women in construction, from architects to surveyors,” she said.
“At Santar Construction, we are promoting gender equality by showcasing women’s skills, from the design phase to the building phase.”
Despite the growth in female participation, women still make up only 17% of the construction workforce, with just 1-2% in skilled trades. Santar Construction aims to change that.
Santar Construction: Pioneering a New Path
Santar Construction offers a wide range of services, including structural construction, civil works, shop fittings, interior design, and renovation.
The company has taken on both private and commercial clients, transforming underutilised spaces into state-of-the-art buildings.
“Our mission is to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions that meet the needs and expectations of our clients and stakeholders,” Bare said.
Their commitment to excellence was recognised with an array of awards which includes the Top 50 under 40 African Investment Leaders Forum Awards 2024, Outstanding Woman in Construction Award by She-Millionare Africa, Megafest Outstanding Woman in Construction and Gold Award for Outstanding Service Excellence by the Zimbabwe CEO Network.
“As women in construction, this award reflects our dedication to providing high-quality services in an industry where we’re still underrepresented,” Bare added.
Addressing the Skills Gap
One of Santar Construction’s primary goals is to address the skills shortage within the industry by attracting diverse talents.
Bare believes that a diverse workforce benefits not only employers but the industry as a whole by fostering innovation.
“To solve the skills gap, we need more women to enter the industry. It’s about creating opportunities for them to thrive in what has been a traditionally male space,” Bare explained
The Future of Women in Construction
The future of women in construction is bright, but it will require collective effort to bring about lasting change.
Bare acknowledges that while she cannot change the industry alone, she hopes to start conversations, raise awareness, and empower women through her work.
“Why shouldn’t women design and build the environments we all live and work in?” she asked. “With every project, we’re not just building structures—we’re building a future where women lead.”
With each building they erect, Santar Construction is laying the foundation for a future where women are not just participants but leaders in shaping the world around them.
