Seeks support for 35% affirmative action  
The first female Rector of the Federal School of Surveying in Oyo State, Dr. Dupe Olayinka-Dosunmu, has decried poor women representation in Nigerian politics.

She stated this during the bi-yearly congress of Lagos State Women in Surveying (WIS), a sub-group of Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS).

Olayinka-Dosunmu, who spoke on the theme: “Role of Women in Politics and Policy Making for Sustainable Development in the Built Environment – The need for Transformational Leadership with Character,” lamented reduction in the number of women in the 10th National Assembly compared to previous years.

She said women were often under-represented in politics and other professions, leading to limited visibility and fewer role models.

According to her, stereotypes and biases that associate politics, surveying and other professions with physical strength or technical aptitude can discourage women from entering or advancing in the profession.

The Rector urged women to utilise their numbers, get involved in grassroots politics to meet 35 per cent affirmative action.

She said: “Women, not being in politics or part of the decision-making body, is a kind of stereotype, while the cultural bias men have against women was natural.

“But when it comes to the home, we still agree that men are the head. But in our profession, especially the building industry, people believe it has to do with physical strength, but technology has put that behind.”

“Now, if you look at the population, women are about 49 per cent, while men are 51 per cent. So, even for electioneering purposes, the population is about 47 per cent against 53 per cent. So, if every woman is willing and ready to vote for their fellow women, we will be in politics.

“I don’t see why despite having 47 per cent of the population, and asking for 35 per cent extra, we will still be deprived of it.

“There should be advocacy and female mentoring on our path, especially among young females in the society.

“Being in a male-dominated environment doesn’t mean we cannot win. We have been in the class and lecture rooms with them and have beaten them before.

“As part of our training, if we go through all physicality, we excel. So, retaining them in the industry is what matters.”

Earlier, Chairman, NIS, Lagos State, Olukolade Kasim, extolled the women group for their programmes targeted at building the interest of female students in surveying.

On her part, National Coordinator of WIS, Elizabeth Olayiwola, said WIS strives to catch girl-child young and make them to intentionally pick surveying as a career.

Also, the Coordinator, WIS, Lagos State, Olajumoke Joseph, said: “Women have always been at the forefront of progress and change.

“As influencers, leaders and visionaries, our unique perspectives are invaluable in creating a sustainable, inclusive and resilient built environment. We must seize every opportunity to be involved in the political and policy-making process, advocating for solutions that address the needs of our communities, the environment, and future generations,” she added.