Lafarge trains women on tiling, block making

One of the leading innovative and sustainable building solutions companies, Lafarge Africa Plc., in collaboration with Truss Empowerment Foundation has trained women from low-income communities in Lagos on tiling and block making.

The two-week intensive vocational programme, which was held at Nawarudeen High School, Ebute Metta, Lagos, is in line with the strategic objective of Lafarge Africa’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to empower, educate and increase gender equality in a male-dominated sector.

The goal was to train a minimum of 25 women from low-income communities in Makoko, Lagos on the practical use of Lafarge’s Supafix products in the tiling of walls and floors, as well as on how to mould blocks.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Head, Sustainable Development and Corporate Brand, Lafarge Africa Plc., Titilope Oguntuga, noted that the initiative was the first of its kind and part of the company’s efforts to address the gender imbalance in the industry and further drive women entrepreneurship and development in the country.

“In a sector in which women can sometimes be under-represented, taking these steps is critical,” explains Oguntuga. “We are making significant strides in building a more sustainable future for all. That includes changing the narrative and fighting the myth that construction work is more appropriate for men, so that young women can aspire for a career in the industry,” she stressed.

Also speaking, Director Scale and Lead Trainer, S.Q Folarin, while commending Lafarge Africa for promoting gender equality in a male-dominated space, also, took time to praise the trainees for their willingness and determination to learn.

In the same vein, Chairman, Lagos State Professional Tilers Association (LASPROTAN), Mr. Adediran Clement, while congratulating the graduands also appreciated the company for the initiative.

Clement also introduced the graduands to the doctrines of the association and charged them to take advantage of the benefits and opportunities offered by the association to succeed and move forward in their career.

Speaking on behalf of trainees, Omowunmi Alomore, appreciated the building solutions company for the opportunity to be part of the programme.

“We want to thank Lafarge Africa Plc for their full support to enable women to do what men have been doing for ages i.e. building houses and tiling houses.”

At the end of the skill acquisition and entrepreneurship training, the participants were issued certificates from Lafarge and inducted into the Tilers Association. They were also given food items and discount voucher cards with 2.5-3 per cent discount for every Supafix product bought while the three best graduating students received work tools from Lafarge.