(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-09) Nene, Simphiwe; Ozumba, Obinna; Sunjika, Bernadette
The study was based on an aspect of social justice, namely gender equality in the workplace for the female workers who work on construction sites. The area covered in this study was the health and safety of women in construction in the form of the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitary facilities to female workers. This specific focus is largely overlooked. The study explored, female workers’ (end-user) perceptions and experiences on the provisions of sanitary and personal protective equipment through a qualitative approach. The main source of data collection was through semi-structured interviews and further supported with site observations in order to triangulate the interview responses. The results of the study found that the availability of PPE for females in the construction industry has improved as women are provided with female size PPE. However, quality and advanced gender sensitive PPE still needs attention. Sanitary facilities at established sites are generally up to standard. However, female workers still share these facilities with their male counter parts. Sanitary facilities at unestablished sites still need attention.