Abstract:
The surge in the representation of women within traditionally male-dominated professions in developed nations is attributed to shifts in economic dynamics and workplace environments. In contrast, the Nigerian Construction Industry (NCI) still witnesses limited participation from women, accounting for just 0.2% compared to men’s 3.2%. Scant research addresses the engagement of women quantity surveyors (WQS) in the Nigerian construction sector, particularly within the Abuja-FCT region. This study endeavors to scrutinize the involvement of female quantity surveyors, with the objective of fostering greater female participation in construction activities. It meticulously evaluates the engagement of WQS in pivotal quantity surveying tasks while investigating the motivational factors that influence their participation in the construction domain. Employing a comprehensive mixed-methods approach involving questionnaires and interviews, the study amassed a total of 188 participants (78 males and 110 females), with 137 questionnaires returned, reflecting a response rate of 73%. The data underwent descriptive analysis aligned with the research objectives. The outcomes of the data analysis unveil WQS’s participation levels in the NCI, consistently falling within the 60-80% range; both male and female respondents shared comparable viewpoints regarding female participation levels. The research also identifies foremost motivational drivers influencing WQS involvement, prominently featuring formal education in construction-related disciplines like quantity surveying. Moreover, the study reveals the WQS’s pronounced competence in areas encompassing the preparation of valuations and quantifications for construction projects. However, the challenges encountered by WQS are substantial, encompassing issues like irregular working hours and access restrictions stemming from religious and cultural beliefs. The study recommends the integration of gender-inclusive policies and initiatives within the Nigerian construction sector, pivotal in dismantling gender-based stereotypes and barriers. The Women Association of Quantity Surveyors (WAQSN) is encouraged to furnish training and support for women aiming to re-enter the workforce after extended breaks. Further exploration is suggested to assess the impact of unfavorable working hours on WQS engagement within the NCI and to investigate WQS participation across diverse states within the Nigerian construction landscape.
Involvement of Women Quantity Surveyors in the Construction Sector of Nigeria, GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS
