The Federal Government has expressed commitment to addressing the underrepresentation of women in the construction sector. Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Gwarzo, who stated this at the Are-Sure Gender Diversification of Construction Industry Workforce: Attaining, Recruiting, Supporting, and Retaining (ARe-SuRe) Women Graduates’ Conference organised by the Nigerian Institution of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) Foundation in Abuja, stressed the need to break down barriers, dispel stereotypes, and create opportunities for women in the construction industry.
He called for strategies to foster a more inclusive and equitable workforce and harness the immense potential of women. Gwarzo noted that the construction industry plays a pivotal role in shaping the nation, and its success is intrinsically linked to workforce diversity. “By embracing gender diversity, we uphold fairness and equality, while unlocking a wealth of untapped potential to drive the industry forward.
“Women bring unique skills, perspectives, and problem-solving abilities that can enhance construction projects, promote sustainable practices, and foster a collaborative work environment. Together, we have the power to reshape the construction industry, fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and opportunity. By embracing gender diversity, we will unlock innovation and excellence, transforming the industry into a model of inclusivity and equal opportunity,” he said.
The minister, who commended the women graduates for their courage and determination, said: “As industry leaders, I urge you to champion this cause with unwavering dedication, investing in initiatives that promote gender equality and create an environment where women can excel.”
Earlier, NIQS President, Kene Nzekwe, called for effective strategies to attract talented women graduates to the construction industry through targeted recruitment practices, the creation of supportive work environments, and initiatives that foster long-term career growth for women.
He noted that the construction industry forms the bedrock of society, adding that from towering skyscrapers to critical infrastructure projects, the industry moulds the world.
Nzekwe observed that despite its undeniable importance, the industry continues to grapple with a persistent challenge – a lack of gender diversity as women, who represent a deep reservoir of talent and ingenuity, remain vastly underrepresented in construction workforces globally.
He said the conference is not merely about acknowledging this disparity alone; it is also about actively dismantling the barriers that exist. “This forum will catalyse ground-breaking dialogue, innovative strategies, and actionable solutions,” he said.
The NIQS president noted that the conference brings together a vibrant community of stakeholders from the construction industry, including architects, builders, quantity surveyors, civil engineers, construction contracting organisations, consulting firms, professional bodies, women’s associations, recruitment agencies, and talented women graduates and practitioners.
According to Nzekwe, the conference is a platform to collectively challenge stereotypes, forge new collaborations, and build a future where the construction industry is not just robust but truly representative of the diverse talent pool at its disposal.
He stressed the need to work towards a future where the construction industry not only reflects the communities it serves but also thrives on the collective brilliance of women graduates.
In his keynote address, the Vice Chancellor of Prime University, Abuja, Prof Muhammad Mainoma, observed that the construction sector has long been characterised by its resilience, innovation, and ability to mould the physical world, however, the sector faces a critical challenge of underrepresentation of women in its workforce.
Mainoma stressed the need to reshape the entire industry, empower women, and create a more inclusive future, as well as address the unconscious bias that exists in the industry.
He said: “We need to promote training and development opportunities that are tailored to the needs of women. We need to create flexible work arrangements that allow women to balance work and family responsibilities. An inclusive workplace fosters retention as it encourages open dialogue, addresses biases, diverse solutions perspective and promotes equal opportunities.
“When women feel valued, respected and not discriminated, they are more likely to remain committed and successful in their careers within the industry. We need to hold ourselves accountable for achieving gender diversification. We need to set targets and track our progress.
“We need to recognise that women are capable and are competent as men in constructive roles and we need to create a culture that supports and empowers them. Our recruitment practices must address this issue. Let us explore untapped talent pools through partnerships with educational institutions, mentorship programmes and targeted outreach initiatives. We must highlight the exciting unbiased opportunities within the constructive industry,” he added.
