Infrastructure stakeholders urged to enhance women’s inclusion

Stakeholders in the Nigerian Infrastructure sector have been urged to double up efforts and collaborate to mitigate drivers of inequalities and enhance women’s inclusion in the sector.

The charge was given by the President and Convener, Women in Infrastructure Community African, WICA, Dr Olajumoke Akiode, during the group’s visits to some selected stakeholders in the industry.

WICA visited frontline stakeholders in the sector including the Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Infrastructure Concession Regulation Commission (ICRC) and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. to advocate for equal access to resources, opportunities, leadership and participation for women and girls.

Dr Olajumoke with other members of WICA including Arc Habiba Waziri, Mrs Stella Faleye, Mrs Lucy Tebowei, Engr Hauwa Abubakar, Ms Bunmi Owobiyi were received by the President of FOCI, Chief Vincent Barah, the DG, Mr Fidelis and other directors of FOCI; the first female President of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala; the DG of ICRC, Mr Joe Aniku Micheal Ohiani, represented by Dr Ogan, as well as Mr Adamu Umar and
Mustapha Junaid,
(directors); Julius Berger’s Director of Administration, Dr. Abdulaziz Kaita represented by Mrs Omonigho Oyoma-
Brown, head contract management, Mrs Shakira Mustapha head CRO/ Sustainability, Ms Seun Adebisi and Ms Goodness Onoja.

The rallying calls, according to Dr Olajumoke Akiode, were about advocating for intentional gender inclusion policies and policy implementation and seeking support and collaborations for increased and sustainable impact of inclusion.

“Our courtesy visits to MDAs and umbrella bodies in the Infrastructure sector were to drive home the need to see values in our differences, especially the values women bring to the table.”

“The benefits associated with sustainable infrastructure delivery in Nigeria and across Africa would be well annexed if there are more women involved in the policy formulation and implementation, in the conception, design, implementation and delivery of projects and programmes.”

“And importantly, what is needed is meaningful representation. So, there is a need to include girls and women who understand what gender equity is about, who will drive the agenda at the tables where they sit and be good ambassadors who will inspire inclusion in the places and positions they occupy and become role models for generations of girls coming behind.” She stated.

In their separate replies, the stakeholders unanimously declared that they understand the necessity of gender inclusion in their sector and are willing to support and collaborate with WICA in her drive to foster meaningful and impactful gender inclusion in the infrastructure sector.