Growing opportunities for women in Project Management

The panel of experts that inspired who highlighted the growing opportunities for women in project management

The growing demand for professional project managers in South Africa and globally was discussed at the Unisa Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL) and Project Management Institute (PMI) Women’s Month Breakfast Seminar on Thursday, 2 August 2018. As we celebrate women’s month, delegates gathered to engage and share knowledge about the project management profession and the skills required to enter the profession.

According to the latest Project Management Institute (PMI) Growth and Talent Report, two million new project-oriented jobs will be created globally between 2017 and 2027. However, a survey conducted by PMI found that there are still lower annualised salaries for women as compared to the male counterparts in the profession.

“Project Managers need to go beyond managing projects. It’s important for them to manage their career,  and invest time and effort towards their professional development,” said Sanele Nhlabatsi, Senior Lecturer in Project Management at Unisa SBL.  “We also need to bridge the gap between women and men, not only in the project management profession but in all industries. There is room for growth for women project managers and organisations need to give women the opportunity to participate at C-suite level.”

Nhlabatsi highlights that projects and project management have become important to the transformation of South African economy and society. “Project management is an environment filled with innovation and business happens at a fast pace. The demand and growth of the profession is high and there are potential opportunities for women to thrive.”

“The required skills for a project manager are technical skills, leadership qualities, interpersonal skills  and social aspects. Project managers need to have a knowledge base, skills and experience in order to develop and manage projects,” said Nhlabatsi.

Nhlabatsi said that women that want to enter project management space need to understand the profession, go through a structured programme, be able to adapt to change and lead with confidence. “It’s also important to have certification as proof that you have the competence to practice as a professional Project Manager.”