Women are now a driving force in the South African property market, with female buyers making up nearly 40% of residential homeowners. Alongside this shift, more women are embracing DIY as a way to personalise, improve, and add value to their properties—reflecting a global trend in which women are not only purchasing homes but also taking an active role in maintaining and renovating them.
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This shift is being fuelled by both necessity and choice. Rising costs have encouraged many homeowners to take renovation projects into their own hands, while a growing sense of independence and creativity has seen more women step confidently into the DIY space. Almost 40% of sole property owners in South Africa are women, and global studies show that nearly half of women identify themselves as the main DIY-ers in their households.
From painting and decorating to furniture building and full-scale home upgrades, women are increasingly hands-on in shaping the spaces they live in.
Women in DIY Excellence Awards
In recognition of this growing movement, Brights Hardware has relaunched its Women in DIY Excellence Awards for 2025. The initiative celebrates the creativity and confidence of women who are embracing DIY—from renovations and décor upgrades to upcycling and community projects. Homeowners who take pride in rolling up their sleeves and transforming their spaces now have the opportunity to share their stories and be rewarded for their efforts.
“Last year’s response blew us away,” says Orlando Luis, CEO of Brights Hardware. “We received powerful and inspiring stories from women who are doing everything from building furniture and restoring heirlooms to uplifting communities through creative projects. We’re proud to be bringing the awards back this year to continue celebrating and empowering women in DIY.”
A platform for passion and purpose
The 2025 awards celebrate women whose ongoing work, creativity, and commitment are making a real impact—whether in their homes, communities, or the wider world of DIY. Projects of all kinds—big or small, practical or decorative, personal or public—are encouraged.
To help guide and inspire entries, Brights highlights three key themes that reflect the heart of the movement:
- DIY, Home Décor & Renovation Projects – Recognising women who consistently use their hands-on skills and creativity to reimagine and improve their spaces.
- Sustainability, Upcycling & Restoration Efforts – Celebrating those who are committed to green practices, breathing new life into old materials and promoting conscious living through their ongoing work.
- Community & Social Impact Projects – Honouring women who are using their DIY talents as a force for good—beautifying shared spaces, empowering others, or uplifting their communities in lasting ways.
The competition is open to all women, whether full-time makers, side-hustlers, hobbyists, or volunteers. Entrants can nominate themselves or be nominated by others.
How to Enter
Entries should take the form of a short letter or written submission, sharing the story behind the work. Whether it’s a long-standing passion for transforming spaces, a commitment to sustainable crafting, or a series of community-driven DIY initiatives.
Submissions should include:
- A written overview that tells the story—what inspires the work, how it began, and the journey so far
- Good-quality images or links to social media showing examples of the projects
- Contact details for the entrant or nominee
Entries can be submitted directly or on behalf of someone else. All submissions must be sent via email to [email protected] by 30 September 2025.
Three winners will be selected, each receiving a R5,000 Brights voucher and a product hamper worth R5,000—a total prize value of R10,000 per winner—to help fuel their next creative project.
“Through these awards, we not only want to acknowledge the inspiring work being done by women, but also encourage more women to pick up the tools, follow their passion, and break down the stereotypes that still linger in the DIY and hardware space,” adds Luis. “We are committed to creating a more inclusive and empowering environment—both within our stores and across our communities.”
That commitment is reflected in the Brights team itself, where women make up a growing and powerful force within the business. Many have risen through the ranks into leadership and managerial roles, helping to shape the customer experience and drive innovation across the stores. Their dedication, knowledge, and leadership are not only an asset to Brights, but an inspiration to the next generation of women in the hardware and DIY industry.
For inspiration, visit your nearest Brights Hardware store, with branches located in Boston, Blackheath, Langebaan, Mitchells Plain, Richmond Park, Plattekloof, Stonewood, Brackengate, and Sunningdale. The online store at www.brights.co.za offers delivery across South Africa, including express delivery in the Western Cape for online purchases.
