Prelims

Half Title Page

Breaking Ground

Title Page

Breaking Ground

Empowering Women in the Construction Industry

By

Bernard Arthur-Aidoo

Accra Technical University, Ghana

Princess Naa Kwarkai Quartey

Accra Technical University, Ghana

Perry Ransgreg Nunoo

Accra Technical University, Ghana

And

ALEX KWAKU ADZINKU

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana

United Kingdom – North America – Japan – India – Malaysia – China

Copyright Page

Emerald Publishing Limited

Emerald Publishing, Floor 5, Northspring, 21-23 Wellington Street, Leeds LS1 4DL

First edition 2024

Copyright © 2024 Bernard Arthur-Aidoo, Princess Naa Kwarkai Quartey, Perry Ransgreg Nunoo and Alex Kwaku Adzinku.

Published under exclusive licence by Emerald Publishing Limited.

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Contact: www.copyright.com

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without either the prior written permission of the publisher or a licence permitting restricted copying issued in the UK by The Copyright Licensing Agency and in the USA by The Copyright Clearance Center. Any opinions expressed in the chapters are those of the authors. Whilst Emerald makes every effort to ensure the quality and accuracy of its content, Emerald makes no representation implied or otherwise, as to the chapters' suitability and application and disclaims any warranties, express or implied, to their use.

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

ISBN: 978-1-83549-639-8 (Print)

ISBN: 978-1-83549-638-1 (Online)

ISBN: 978-1-83549-640-4 (Epub)

Dedication

To the Building Technology Department, Accra Technical University.

For the unwavering love, encouragement and sacrifices that the department members have made to support our dream. Your belief in us has guided us through every chapter of our lives. This book is a tribute to your enduring faith and the values you have instilled in us. Thank you for always believing in us, even when we doubted ourselves.

Foreword

It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to the pages of Ground Breaking: Empowering Women in the Construction Industry. As I had the privilege of perusing its contents before publication, we found ourselves drawn into a world of profound insight, captivating narratives and thought-provoking analyses. In this foreword, we aim to provide a glimpse into the richness that awaits you within these chapters. From the outset, it became evident that the authors have poured not only their intellect but also their heart and soul into this work. The result is a tapestry of ideas woven with precision and passion, inviting readers to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery.

Authors have a remarkable ability to distill complex concepts into accessible narratives, making even the most intricate subjects comprehensible to readers of all backgrounds. Whether you are a seasoned scholar or a curious novice, you will find Ground Breaking: Empowering Women in the Construction Industry to be both engaging and enlightening. Throughout these pages, authors tackle a diverse array of topics, ranging from women empowerment to gender equality and women in construction. Yet, amid this diversity, there exists a common thread, a commitment to fostering understanding, empathy and dialogue in an increasingly complex world.

What struck me most about Ground Breaking: Empowering Women in the Construction Industry is its relevance. In an era defined by rapid change and uncertainty, authors offer insights that are not only timely but also timeless. By grounding their analysis in both historical context and contemporary relevance, they shed light on pressing issues while also providing a framework for understanding their broader significance. It is my sincere hope that Ground Breaking: Empowering Women in the Construction Industry will find its way into the hands of readers around the world, enriching their lives and expanding their horizons in ways they never thought possible.

Preface

Welcome to the journey of Ground Breaking: Empowering Women in the Construction Industry. As you hold this book in your hands, you are about to embark on a voyage through ideas, knowledge and perspectives that I hope will resonate with you deeply.

This preface serves as a compass, guiding you through the intentions, inspirations and aspirations that have fuelled the creation of this book. Within these pages lie not just words but fragments of experiences, insights and emotions woven together to form a tapestry of understanding. Writing Ground Breaking: Empowering Women in the Construction Industry has been an odyssey – a labour of love and passion. It emerged from a desire to explore, to question and to share. Each chapter is a reflection of countless hours spent pondering, researching and crafting, with the hope of offering something meaningful to those who seek it.

Throughout this book, you will encounter diverse perspectives, challenging ideas and perhaps even moments of introspection. I aim to spark conversation and to invite you into a dialogue that extends beyond the confines of these pages. As you delve into the chapters ahead, I encourage you to approach them with an open mind and a curious heart. Engage with the content, question it, challenge it and allow it to challenge you in return. For it is through this exchange of ideas that we grow, learn and evolve.

I extend my deepest gratitude to those who have supported us on this journey, mentors, friends and loved ones who have offered encouragement, feedback and unwavering belief in the value of this endeavour. And to you, dear reader, thank you for joining me on this expedition. May Ground Breaking: Empowering Women in the Construction Industry serve as a guiding light, illuminating new paths of understanding and inspiring you to embark on your quest for knowledge and wisdom.

Acknowledgements

Writing a book is never a solitary endeavour; it is the culmination of support, encouragement and collaboration from numerous individuals. As we reflect on the journey of bringing Ground Breaking: Empowering Women in the Construction Industry to fruition, we are grateful for the many people who have contributed to its creation.

First and foremost, we would like to express our deepest appreciation to Mr Seth Allotey, whose unwavering support and belief in this project provided the foundation upon which it was built. Your guidance, encouragement and insightful feedback were invaluable every step of the way.

We are also grateful to Mr Mark Brookman-Amisah and Mr Gladstone Kportufe for their expertise and assistance. Your dedication to excellence and attention to detail greatly enhanced the quality of this book.

To our friends and family, thank you for your patience, understanding and words of encouragement during the writing process. Your unwavering support sustained us through the inevitable challenges and doubts, and we are profoundly grateful for your presence in our lives.

We would like to extend our appreciation to the team at Emerald, whose professionalism, enthusiasm and expertise have been instrumental in bringing this book to publication. Your commitment to excellence and passion for sharing knowledge has made this collaboration a truly rewarding experience.

Finally, to the readers of Ground Breaking: Empowering Women in the Construction Industry, thank you for your interest and engagement. It is our sincere hope that this book will inform, inspire and provoke thought and that it will spark meaningful conversations and reflections long after its pages have been turned.