In a bid to bridge the gender gap and deepen professionalism, quantity surveyors under the aegis of Women Association of Quantity Surveyors in Nigeria (WAQSN) have called for more involvement of women in the profession.
The association also noted that improved participation of women in quantity surveying would bridge the gender gap in the profession.
The association made the call during a seminar and investiture of the 7th chairperson of WAQSN. Speaking on, “shaping a leading culture of dynamically emerging future of work”, the new chairperson, Priscilla Akabudike, said WAQSN, as a professional body and gender-related association, has carefully chosen the theme to highlight workforce changes, adding that firms need new approaches to attract and retain talent as well as build strong cultures that will empower employees and drive performance.
She said: “A positive workplace culture attracts talent, drives engagement and affects performance. Our goal is to continue to empower women to break through barriers and create opportunities in our organisations, within our communities and across our industry. We cannot overlook the challenges we face nor can we let them limit us.”
Addressing the forum, the President, Nigerian Institute Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), Michael Shonubi, said so much still needed to be done to challenge the stereotype and the discrimination against women, which still exists.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the national body to ensure that more women quantity surveyors are supported, stressing that the institute will continue to provide an enabling environment for its entire female member to thrive.
Shonubi said: “We are committed to amplifying the voices of women by promoting a more inclusive leadership and representation in the institute.”
In her address, the immediate past chairperson of WAQSN, Aishatu Mohammed, said the forum aimed to provide an depth look into emerging trends impacting culture in the workplace and how women leaders especially in the construction industry globally can leverage the insights to prepare their organisation with a view to inspiring other women for the uncharted journey ahead.
Mohammed added that the construction industry could be reckoned as an integral part of the development of any country.
“In Nigeria, research into shaping a leading culture in dynamically emerging future of work as it affects women is very paramount, hence this seminar was organised to highlight and give insights into challenges and the way forward,” she said.
