Abuja – February 14, 2024 – Viewpoint Housing News.
Engineers have emphasised the need for gender equality and the necessity for STEM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) courses as ways to increase the number of women in the building sector.
In order to encourage women to pursue careers in STEM and STEAM fields, stop sexism and prejudice against female students, and raise retention rates, they demanded that more scholarships and grant programmes be offered. In order to create a diverse workplace that encourages higher employee satisfaction and productivity, they also urge companies to recognise and eliminate prejudice in their recruiting processes.
The engineers observed that in order for the next generation of female engineers, architects, and other construction professionals to succeed in a field that is almost 80% male-dominated, mentoring and role models are vital.
Leading the call at the webinar “STEAMing Ahead: Women engineers advancing a sustainable environment,” hosted by the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), is Kehinde Taiwo, a technology professor at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife. Taiwo noted that empowering women is essential to ensuring that their distinct perspectives and talents are fully utilized in the industry.
Despite the difficulties encountered in the field of engineering, she said, women who have made significant contributions to the building industry are setting the way for next generations of professionals. Their tenacity and drive have allowed them to overcome problems and achieve success.
“A more inclusive infrastructure development business is being paved by women engineers who are shattering stereotypes in their field.
“As a society, we must continue to support and empower women in engineering, ensuring that the industry becomes truly diverse and reactive of our collective talents. Through their hard work and dedication, women engineers are reshaping the future of infrastructure development, shaping the built environment through engineering by driving change and innovation in the industry,” she said.
Taiwo urged support for teachers saddled with the duty of implementing STEAM courses. According to her, as the first access point to STEAM learning for many children, teachers need the knowledge to help foster 21st-century skills such as creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration.
She said that women face unique obstacles when it comes to attending school and working in STEM fields, adding that advantages of women in infrastructure development include diverse perspectives, improved communication, enhanced efficiency and creativity, collaboration, and improved problem-solving skills.
