Women take over construction jobs as men cry foul

Women taking up construction jobs commonly referred to as mjengo in Migori County is causing a sleepless night to the men who have been dominating the sector for years.

Men who spoke to Citizen Digital lamented that the women bring competition for their jobs, adding that their fate in the business is now hanging in the balance, as most contractors prefer the women to the men.

They said the women are doing all jobs in the construction sector including mixing gravel, cement and sand commonly known as koroga, a job that was left to men, as it was perceived to require a lot of energy.

The question on most people’s mind is why are women flooding the construction sites?

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Jane Achieng, a 40-year-old woman, said she is the sole breadwinner in her family and was forced to work in construction to put food on the table.

She said that she could not find any other job, adding that the jobs helps her earn a living.

Ms Achieng said most of her female colleagues are widows and have no alternative means to provide for their families, adding that even though men have raised concern over their working in the sector they would continue to do so.

She, however, noted that women face sexual harassment from their male counterparts who demand sex before giving jobs in the sector.