FAME foundation was established to solicit, encourage and advance the social, emotional and economic wellbeing of women and girls as well as formulate programmes within the framework of national development plan with a view to enhancing the participation of women and advocate for gender parity in the society.
FAME foundation firmly believe that the entire nation, businesses, communities and groups can benefit from the implementation of programs and policies that adopt the notion of women empowerment.
FG will Address the Underrepresentation of Women in the Construction Sector.
The federal government has expressed its commitment to addressing the underrepresentation of women in the construction sector. The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Gwarzo, stated this at the Are-Sure Gender Diversification of Construction Industry Workforce: Attaining, Recruiting, Supporting and Retaining (ARe-SuRe) Women Graduates conference organized by the Nigerian Institution for Quantity Surveyors (NIQS). ) in Abuja emphasized the need to break down barriers, break stereotypes and create opportunities for women in the construction industry.
He called for strategies to support a more inclusive and equitable workforce and to harness the enormous potential of women. Gwarzo noted that the construction industry plays a critical role in shaping the nation and its success is inextricably linked to the diversity of its workforce. “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 skills that can improve construction projects, promote sustainable practices and support a collaborative work environment. Together we have the power to transform the construction industry by promoting a culture of inclusion, 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 praised the graduates for their courage and determination, said: “As industry leaders, I urge you to support this cause with unwavering commitment, investing in initiatives that promote gender equality and create an environment where women can excel.”
Earlier, NIQS president Kene Nzekwe called for the development of effective strategies to attract talented female graduates to the construction industry through targeted recruitment practices, the creation of a supportive work environment and initiatives that foster women’s long-term career development.
He noted that the construction industry is the backbone of society, adding that from towering skyscrapers to critical infrastructure projects, the industry shapes the world.
Nzekwe noted that despite its undeniable importance, the industry still faces a persistent challenge – a lack of gender diversity, as women, who constitute a huge reservoir of talent and ingenuity, are still grossly underrepresented in the construction workforce globally.
He said the purpose of the conference was not just to acknowledge this discrepancy; it is also about actively removing existing barriers. “This forum will be a catalyst for groundbreaking dialogue, innovative strategies and practical solutions,” he said.
The NIQS President noted that the conference brings together a vibrant community of construction industry stakeholders, including architects, builders, appraisers, construction engineers, construction contractor organizations, consultancies, professional bodies, women’s associations, recruitment agencies and talented 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 only strong, but truly representative of the diverse talent pool at its disposal.
He emphasized the need to work towards a future in which the construction industry not only reflects the communities it serves, but also thrives on the collective brilliance of female graduates.
In his keynote address, the Vice-Chancellor of Prime University, Abuja, Professor Muhammad Mainoma, noted that the construction sector has long been characterized by resilience, innovation and the ability to shape the physical world, however, the sector faces a critical challenge of under-representation of women in the workforce.
Mainoma stressed the need to transform the entire industry, empower women and create a more inclusive future, as well as address unconscious biases that exist in the industry.
He said: “We need to promote training and development opportunities tailored to the needs of women. We need to create flexible work organization that will enable women to reconcile professional and family responsibilities. An inclusive workplace promotes employee retention because it encourages open dialogue, eliminates bias, perspectives on diverse solutions and promotes equal opportunities.
“When women feel valued, respected and not discriminated against, they are more likely to stay engaged and succeed in their careers in the industry. We must hold ourselves accountable for achieving gender diversification. We need to set goals and track our progress.
“We must recognize that women are as capable and competent as men in constructive roles, and we must create a culture that supports and empowers them. Our recruiting practices must address this issue. Let’s explore untapped talent pools through partnerships with educational institutions, mentoring programs and targeted outreach initiatives. We need to highlight the exciting, unbiased opportunities in the construction industry,” he added.