By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, has urged stakeholders in the construction industry to invest in initiatives that can encourage gender equality and create an environment where women can excel.
This is contained in a statement issued to newsmen by the Minister’s SSA Media,Malam Adamu Abdullahi.
According to the statement, Gwarzo made the call while speaking as a Special Guest at a conference hosted by the Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors on “ARe – SuRe – Gender Diversification of Construction Industry Workforce:Attracting, Recruiting, Supporting, and Retaining Women Graduates” a research project aimed at understanding the obstacles hindering women from taking up employment in the construction workforce in Nigeria.”
He said women bring unique skills, perspectives and problem solving that can enhance construction projects, promote sustainable practice and foster a collaborative working environment.
To this end, the Minister said, the Conference was a significant platform to address the longstanding underrepresentation of women in the construction sector.
He said that embracing diversity means upholding fairness and equality as it would unlock a wealth of untapped potential to drive the industry forward.
He therefore called on the participants to explore strategies and initiatives that would foster a more inclusive and equitable workforce that would harness the immense potential that women could bring into the sector.
The Minister then commended the resilience and commitment of the organisers of the conference for aligning with President Bola Ahmad Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on inclusivity which according to him, would reshape the industry, foster culture of inclusivity, respect and opportunity.
In his remarks,the Chairman of the Conference, Prof. Muhammad Mainoma, Vice Chancellor Prime University, Abuja, said that community engagement and outreach are essential aspects of promoting gender diversification in the construction industry workforce.
Mainoma stated that leadership commitment is vital in setting the tone for the entire industry and creating an environment where all employees feel valued, respected and empowered to succeed.