Stakeholders in Nigeria’s built environment have renewed calls for greater inclusion and equity in the construction and housing sector, emphasising the need to expand opportunities for women and promote wealth creation across the industry.
The call was made in a statement issued on Thursday by the Founder of the Africa Women in Housing and Construction, Flora Anne, following the maiden edition of the Africa Women in Housing and Construction Conference and Business Expo held in Abuja recently.
Anne stressed that despite women’s growing contributions to the sector, they remain significantly underrepresented in leadership, ownership, and decision-making roles.
“Across our continent today, women are designing cities, building infrastructure, developing communities, structuring investments, and transforming the future of housing and construction,” she said.
She, however, noted that these contributions have not translated into equal access to economic benefits.
“Yet, despite these contributions, women remain underrepresented in leadership, ownership, and wealth creation within the built sector,” Anne stated.
According to her, addressing these gaps requires deliberate efforts to create inclusive systems that go beyond participation.
“Our theme reminds us that women must not only work within the industry; we must also build wealth in it, own assets within it, and lead its future,” she said.
Anne added that inclusion must be backed by practical opportunities that enable women to thrive.
“The Africa Women in Housing and Construction Conference exists to connect women, amplify their voices, expand opportunities, and strengthen their leadership across the housing and construction ecosystem,” she said.
She further highlighted the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to drive structural reforms that promote gender equity and sustainable growth.
Anne emphasised that empowering women across the value chain would not only address longstanding inequalities but also strengthen the industry.
“Together, let us redefine work, build wealth, and elevate the worth of women across Africa’s built environment,” she added.
