The Role of Women in Nigeria’s Construction Industry
Last Updated on January 27, 2024
Introduction
Nigeria’s construction industry is a vital aspect of the country’s economy, contributing significantly to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
It spans across various sectors such as residential, commercial, and infrastructure development.
Despite its importance, the industry faces several challenges, including inadequate funding, poor project management, and gender inequality.
Women play an essential role in Nigeria’s construction industry, which has traditionally been male-dominated. Women participate in various areas, from manual labor to management roles such as architects, engineers, and project managers.
Their contribution is significant as they bring diversity to the industry and provide new perspectives and ideas.
Despite this, women in the industry face several challenges such as limited access to funding, discrimination, and societal expectations.
However, several initiatives, including the Nigerian Institute of Architects’ Women in Architecture, are promoting diversity and inclusion in the industry.
The purpose of this blog post is to celebrate the contributions of women in Nigeria’s construction industry and highlight the need for increased gender equality.
We will explore the challenges women face in the industry, the current initiatives promoting their participation, and the potential impact of increased female participation in the sector.
Historical Context
The construction industry in Nigeria has a long history, starting with the establishment of the Public Works Department in Lagos in 1864 during the colonial era.
After independence in 1960, the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing was formed to oversee the industry’s development.
Over time, women’s involvement in construction has been limited due to cultural and societal factors, including gender roles and expectations. This led to minimal opportunities and skills training for women.
Lack of access to credit and finance also hindered women’s participation in the industry. Traditional lenders required collateral that most women lacked, making it challenging for them to access loans.
Despite the challenges, women have made progress in recent years.
There is a growing awareness of the need to encourage women’s participation in construction, leading to the formation of women’s groups and organizations supporting women in the sector.
Read: Profiles: Leading Real Estate Firms in Nigeria Today
Women’s Inclusion in the Construction Industry
Types of jobs women hold in the industry
Women in Nigeria’s construction industry are gradually taking up various positions, including engineering, architecture, building and construction, project management, and construction supervision.
These areas were considered strictly for men in the past, making the influx of women and their acceptance in the industry remarkably significant.
Challenges that women face in the industry
Despite the presence of women in the industry, they still face various challenges that inhibit their participation and growth.
These challenges include gender discrimination, lack of access to training and education, and work-life balance issues.
- Gender discrimination: Women in construction are often stereotyped and discriminated against based on their gender.
Some employers believe that construction work requires brute strength and that women are not fit for such tasks.
As a result, women are often excluded from physically challenging projects and assigned less visible roles. - Lack of access to training and education: Many women interested in the industry do not have access to formal education and training required for construction-related jobs.
Even when they have the necessary qualifications, they may not be selected or promoted based on their gender. - Work-life balance issues: Women face the difficulty of balancing family life and their careers, especially in male-dominated industries such as construction.
Workplace policies such as long working hours, inflexibility, and inadequate childcare facilities make it challenging for women to thrive in this industry.
Success stories of women in the industry
Despite these challenges, some Nigerian women have been able to succeed in the construction industry, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
One of such success stories is that of Abiola Ladokun, the CEO of Rullion Capacity Builders, a construction and engineering company with operations in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
She has received several awards for her contributions to the construction industry, breaking gender barriers as a female at the forefront of her company.
Another success story is that of Olajumoke Adenowo, an architect and founder of AD Consulting, a top architecture and interior design firm.
She is a mentor to many young women, emphasizing the importance of hard work, determination, and resilience in achieving success.
Women are taking up critical roles in Nigeria’s construction industry, but more efforts are needed. Address gender discrimination, training access, and work-life balance issues to encourage women in these roles.
By providing equal opportunities and support, women can achieve success in the industry and contribute to its growth.
Read: Role of Government in Boosting Construction in Nigeria
The Benefits of Women Inclusion in the Construction Industry
The inclusion of women in the construction industry enhances productivity, workforce diversity, and performance. A gender-inclusive culture boosts creativity and profitability.
Benefits of women inclusion
- Increased productivity and performance due to diverse skills, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
- Reduced gender inequality and improved gender sensitivity through equal opportunities and inclusive cultures.
- Boosted GDP and economic empowerment for women, contributing to sustainable development goals.
Wise business decision
- Investment in women’s education, expertise, and potential expands industry capacity and global competitiveness.
Gender-sensitive policies
- Flexible work arrangements, extended maternity leave, sexual harassment policies, and equal pay for equal work.
Training and development
- Technical and non-technical skills training to improve retention and expertise within the industry.
Collaboration is crucial
- Stakeholders, policymakers, experts, and academia working together to address challenges and opportunities for women.
Inclusion of women in construction yields benefits
productivity, gender equality, and economic empowerment. Gender diversity fosters innovation, leading to profitability and growth.
Challenges can be overcome with policies, education, and a gender-inclusive culture. Investment in women secures a brighter future for the industry and the nation’s economy.
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Government’s Role in Promoting Women Inclusion in Nigeria’s Construction Industry
Government policies and legal frameworks supporting women inclusion in the industry
The Nigerian government has put in place various policies and legal frameworks to promote women inclusion in the construction industry.
One such policy is the National Gender Policy, which provides for gender equality, women empowerment, and mainstreaming gender perspectives in all sectors.
The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development is also responsible for mainstreaming gender issues into all sectors of the economy, including the construction industry.
It has also established the Women Fund for Economic Empowerment to support women-owned businesses, including those in the construction industry.
The Nigerian government has also enacted laws such as the Nigerian Constitution, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, and the National Housing Fund Act, which provides for housing loans to low-income earners, including women in the industry.
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The role of government in reducing gender-based discrimination in the industry
The government plays a critical role in reducing gender-based discrimination in the construction industry. It can encourage employers to adopt gender-sensitive policies, address gender-based violence and harassment, and ensure adequate representation of women in decision-making positions.
The Nigerian government has partnered with international organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) to develop training programs on gender equality and non-discrimination in the workplace.
Additionally, the government has established the National Council of Women Societies to promote women’s interests and address their concerns.
Inter-governance collaboration in supporting women inclusion in the industry
Inter-governance collaboration has been crucial in promoting women’s inclusion in the construction industry.
The Nigerian government has collaborated with state and local governments, civil society organizations, and private sector actors to enhance women’s participation in the industry.
The Kaduna State government established the Women in Construction Empowerment Initiative, providing training and support for women.
The federal government partnered with the private sector to offer training and financial support for women entrepreneurs in construction.
The Nigerian government has a significant role to play in promoting women’s inclusion in the construction industry.
Implement policies and legal frameworks supporting women’s empowerment, reduce gender-based discrimination, and promote inter-governance collaboration.
Encourage women’s participation and economic growth.
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Conclusion
Summary of the key points discussed in the blog post:
- Historically, Nigeria’s construction industry has underrepresented and marginalized women.
- There has been a recent push towards greater inclusion and empowerment of women in the industry.
- Some of the challenges that women face in the industry include cultural biases, lack of education and training opportunities, and difficulty navigating male-dominated spaces.
- Despite these challenges, there are many success stories of women who have broken barriers and become leaders in the industry.
The significance of women inclusion in the construction industry in Nigeria
The inclusion of women in Nigeria’s construction industry is significant for several reasons. Not only does it improve gender equality and create economic opportunities for women, but it also leads to better performance and productivity in the industry as a whole.
Studies have shown that having a diverse workforce not only leads to a more equitable workplace, but also better decision-making and problem-solving.
Recommendations on improving women’s inclusion in the industry
- Provide more education and training opportunities specifically for women in the industry.
- Create mentorship and networking programs to help women navigate male-dominated spaces.
- Encourage companies to adopt policies and practices that promote gender diversity and inclusion.
- Advocate for government policies that provide incentives for companies to hire and promote women.
- Create awareness campaigns to break down cultural biases and stereotypes about women in the industry.
Ultimately, including women in Nigeria’s construction industry is a practical and necessary step for productivity and equity.
