Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, minister of state for housing and urban development, has called on the construction industry to support programmes that promote gender equality and provide opportunities for women to excel.
Themes covered at the conference, which was organised by the Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors, included ARe—SuRe— Gender Diversification of Construction Industry Workforce: Attracting, Recruiting, Supporting, and Retaining Women Graduates.
An examination of the barriers that prevent Nigerian women from entering the construction industry was the primary objective of the conference.
Gwarzo argued that women’s diverse experiences, viewpoints, and problem-solving abilities can improve construction projects, increase the prevalence of sustainable practices, and encourage teamwork.
He further spoke about how the conference provided a platform to address the long-term problem of women’s underrepresentation in the construction industry and how embracing diversity safeguards equity and justice while unleashing a treasure trove of unrealized potential to propel the sector ahead.
Consequently, the minister urged the gathering to consider ways to promote a more diverse and equal workforce, one that fully utilises the tremendous potential that women possess in this sector.
He went on to say that the conference will reshape the industry and promote a culture of inclusivity, respect, and opportunity, and then he applauded the organisers for being in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on inclusivity.
Professor Muhammad Mainoma, Vice Chancellor of Prime University, Abuja, who presided over the conference, further pointed out that outreach and community engagement are crucial components in advancing gender diversity in the construction industry workforce.
Mainoma went on to say that in order to set an example for the whole industry and make sure that every employee feels appreciated, respected, and given the tools they need to succeed, leadership buy-in is crucial.
